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SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS; 



OR, 



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N EW-YORK: 
CARV1LL & CO., 108 BROADWAY 



1840. 









Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1840, 

By Carvill & Co., 

in the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New-York. 







Jas. Van Norden & Co., Printers, 
No. 27 Pine-street. 



PREFACE. 



The original of this Play is " Bertrand et Raton, ou l'Art de 
Conspirer," the master-piece of Scribe, and, perhaps, the most 
successful comedy of modern times. As it now appears, it is 
not exactly a translation, — the characters and, substantially, the 
plot, are the same, — but, in a slight degree, the catastrophe* 
and many of the subordinate incidents are altered, and the dia- 
logue throughout, by additions, omissions and substitutions, is 
essentially changed. It is a "rifacciamento" in English. 

The character of Rantzau, it is scarcely necessary to say, was 
intended as a portrait of Talleyrand. It is drawn with won- 
derful spirit and fidelity ; nor is it probable that the wily and 
witty statesman, (during whose lifetime the play was frequent- 
ly acted,) was himself unwilling to confess the resemblance. 
It must not be supposed that any alterations have been made 
in the original portrait to suit it to the lineaments of any living 
statesman of our own. The character of Rantzau, attentively 
considered — his superior abilities, generous feelings, and bril- 
liant wit — preclude the supposition. 

The ludicrous incident which closes the second act, is sup- 
posed to allude to an event, somewhat apocryphal, in the life 
of Louis Philippe ; who, it is said, on the last of the u three 



* In the original, the reader is left in doubt as to the happiness of the lovers, 
Eric and Christina. This is positively wrong, as I am sure all novel readers 
will agree with me in saying. Such a doubt is painful, and I have therefore re- 
moved it by the usual expedient. 



iv PREFACE. 

days" was locked up by his servants in one of the rooms of his 
own palace, to prevent his escape from Paris, and his refusal 
to become a king. If there be any truth in the anecdote, it is 
difficult to believe that the imprisonment of the future monarch 
was quite as involuntary as that of the burgher of Copenhagen. 

Much cannot be said in praise of the plot of the play. It is 
bustling and full of incident, but not very probable, nor indeed 
consistent; yet so rapid is the succession of events, so unex- 
pected are the turns of fortune, that defects, which can hardly 
fail to strike the reader, are lost in the interest of representa- 
tion. 

It is in the delineation of the characters, however — in the 
admirable skill with which they are discriminated, contrasted, 
and sustained — that the chief excellence of the play consists. 
In these respects it may stand a comparison even with the 
chef-d'ceuvres of Moliere, and is greatly superior to any other 
production of its author. 

The present translation, or imitation, or, as the case may be, 
wretched travesty, (to be ranked with the " Minister and Mer- 
cer" of Bunn, of Drury Lane,) has not been offered to any 
of our Theatres. If it retain any considerable portion of the 
merits of the original, or has congenial merits of its own, the 
public voice will probably demand its representation, and that 
voice will be obeyed. There are strong reasons why the pub- 
lication of a legitimate play should always precede its repre- 
sentation ; at any rate, the author is saved from the degrading 
task of solicitation. 

As to its success, if brought on the stage, I will not venture 
a prediction. It may be doubted whether the humor is suffi- 
ciently broad and palpable to meet the taste of an English or 
American audience ; nor can a certain omen be drawn from 
the success of the original at Paris. Indirect allusions — sly 
inuendoes — refined and delicate irony — subtle equivocation — 



PREFACE. V 

rapid traits — the brief and unconscious revelations of motive 
and character, that a phrase, a word, sometimes conveys — 
these are scarcely felt or perceived by an ordinary audience ; 
but it is exactly these that the Parisian Parterre, trained and 
disciplined, is on the watch to seize and applaud, and it is 
probable that this exercise of their sagacity is a principal 
source of the pleasure they experience and express.* 

Should the play be acted, it is to Placide that the character 
of Rantzau belongs. His exclusive right to it cannot reason 
ably be doubted. It is he only who can raise the defunct 
statesman from his tomb, and place before us a breathing, 
moving, living Talleyrand. 

* An anecdote will illustrate my meaning. The writer happened to be in the 
Theatre Franeais at Paris, at one of the early representations of the " Camaraderie" 
of Scrfbe. In one of the scenes, a lady urges the young hero of the piece to be- 
come a member of the Chamber of Deputies, — he excuses himself modestly on the 
ground of his not possessing the necessary qualifications, the superior abilities, ex- 
tensive information, commanding eloquence, &c, requisite to success. She replies 
with an arch simplicity — " Vou.s n'avez done jamais 6tc a la Chambre ?" The 
Parterre rose as one man, and shouted with laughter. In the pit of Drury Lane or 
Covent Garden, such a speech would have elicited a faint smile on some half-dozen 
countenances. 



• \ 






•\ 



<&\)axattzxs. 

Rantzau, (the Politician,) Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Falkensiiield, Minister of War. 

De Goehler, Nephew of the Minister of the Navy. 

Roller, a Colonel in the Army, and Captain of the Guards. 

Reinhart Burckenstaff, a Merchant of Copenhagen. 

Eric Burckenstaff, his Son. 

Jan Furst, his Apprentice. 

Berghem, a Courtier. 

Joseph, a Servant. 

Maria Julia, the Queen-Mother. 

Christina, daughter of Falkensiiield. 

Martha, wife of Burckenstaff. 

President and Magistrates of Supreme Criminal Court, 

People, Servants. 

SCENE IN COPENHAGEN. 



The play is founded on the revolution of the Government in Denmark, which 
took place in the year 1772, an account ofichieh may he found in any history of the 
reign of George III. It led to the beheading of St rues see, and the imprison- 
ment and subsequent exile of the Queen, Matilda, a sister of George III. The 
plot of the play, however, departs widely from history ; nor arc any of the charac- 
ters historical, except that of the Queen-Mother. 



\ 





















* 



V 



•\ 



THE 



SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 



ACT I. 

SCENE FIRST. 



A Saloon in the Royal Palace of Copenhagen. On the right, 
the anti-chamber to the King's apartment. On the left, 
that of the Prime Minister. 

Koller, (Alone. Looks first in the anti-chamber on the 
right, then in that on the left) 

So it is. The anti-chamber of the King deserted, empty ; 
that of the favourite, the doctor-count, more thronged than 
ever. Oh ! what a field for satire, had I the talent and the 
courage. What an object for ridicule and scorn — our pre- 
cious Court ; where an apothecary-surgeon, a bloodletting 
compounder of drugs, is Prime Minister ; a woman, erring, 
passionate, wilful, is King ; and the King himself — a nullity, 
performing his animal functions, but without mind or will — 
coaxed by some, frightened by others, and duped by all. 
Well ! patience, patience. (Seats himself at a table and 
takes up a newspaper.) The Court Gazette. The usual 
tone, I presume. How flourishing the condition of the king- 
dom ! How admirable the administration of its affairs ! Ha ! 
what is this 1 Another, a new edict ! (Rises, and reads from 
the Gazette.) M We, Christian the Seventh, by the grace of 

2 



10 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

" God, King of Denmark and Norway, &c., to all our tribu- 
" nals, courts of justice, &c. &c, make known by these pre- 
sents, that from the great confidence we repose in the loy- 
" alty, discretion and wisdom of our well beloved Counsellor 
" and Prime Minister, Edward, Count Struensee, we have 
" entrusted to his sole charge and custody the great seal of 
"the kingdom, hereby ordaining, that all decrees, documents 
" and acts, to which the said seal shall be affixed, and which 
" shall be signed by our said Minister, shall be held as valid 
" and authentic, and have the same faith, credit and effect, as 
" if the same were also attested by our own royal signature. 
"Given at our Royal Palace in Copenhagen, this 14th day 
"of January, 1772. CHRISTIAN, REX." 

This, this, explains the morning rush of the Courtiers ; — 
this is the climax, — Christian the Seventh is deposed — Stru- 
ensee is King ! — the usurpation is complete. Not content with 
the substance of power, he has here the audacity, the base- 
ness, to proclaim to the world, his own triumph and his 
master's degradation. (Enter Berghem.) Ah, Berghem, 
my friend, is it you ? 

Berghem. 

Even so. Ha ! what means this crowd ? 

Koller. 

Slaves— waiting till their master shall condescend to be 
visible. 

Berghem. 

And it is nearly so every day ; visiters from morning till 
night. 

Koller. 

Right, very right ; as Dr. Struensee, he paid visits from 
morning till night ; as Count and Minister, it is fair he 



Scene I.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 1 1 

should receive them. Have you seen the Gazette of the 
morning — the new edict ? 

Berghem. 

Oh ! on that subject, I have no patience to speak or 
think — the whole nation will be indignant ; it is most dis- 
graceful, infamous — (Enter a Servant from the anti-cham- 
ber of the Minister.) 

Servant. 
His Excellency, the Count Struensee, may now be seen. 

Berghem. 

Excuse me, my dear friend, I must not lose a moment. 
(He follows the Servant into the anti-chamber.) 

Roller, (Alone.) 

Ha, ha, ha, — gone, gone like the rest, to flatter and solicit, 
to worship and implore ; and it is to such men that every 
thing is given — while we, the frank, the honest, the inde- 
pendent, obtain nothing. No matter, I scorn to be indebted 
to them for any thing. Thank heaven, I have too much pride 
for that. (After a pause and a reverie.) I have now been 
these ten years a Colonel, and four times has the next step 
of promotion been denied me — fair words have been 
given, and young coxcombs put over my head. A General, 
by their means, with their consent, I shall never be ; but 
they shall repent their injustice — they shall learn to know 
me, and the value of my services. If they will not pay my 
price, others will ; and to them, soul and body, I give my- 
self. (Looks into a room in the rear.) Ah ! the Queen- 
Mother ; an early hour at her age ; but she cannot rest. 
What are my wrongs, my griefs, compared to hers ! (Enter 
the Queen-Mother.) 






V 






12 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

SCENE SECOND. 

The Queen-Mother and Roller. 

Queen, {Looking anxiously around.) 
Are we alone, Roller? 

Roller. 

Entirely so, Madam, and without the hazard of interrup- 
tion. All are now gone to worship at the feet of Struensee, 
or of the Queen, — his Queen Matilda. (He hands a chair, 
the Queen seats herself; he continues standing.) 

Queen. 

Listen, then. Yesterday, according to the promise I gave 
you, I had an interview with the Ring ; and our conversation 
was long, and deeply interesting. 

Roller. 

Conversation ! The rumor then is false ; his mind is not 
wholly gone. 

Queen. 

By no means. It is true, his constitution is broken down, 
and his faculties impaired by the excesses in which he long 
indulged : his spirits have sunk into a deep gloom, and he 
speaks with reluctance and difficulty ; but still, his mind is 
not gone, and when you address him, and fix his attention, 
he listens with interest, and his eyes lighten up with meaning. 
He was grateful for my visit, and in warm terms expressed 
his thanks. 

Roller. 

And did you not seize the occasion to make known the 
truth ? to wake him from the delusion in which your ene « 
mies so long have held him? 



' 



Scene II.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 13 

Queen. 

Can you doubt it ? I used every effort, and exerted all 
my skill to excite his jealousy and alarm. I reminded him 
that it was chiefly to the favour of the Queen, that Struen- 
see owed his promotion ; and that to gratify his selfish am- 
bition, had been for years the object of her life. Abusing 
the influence which his majesty allowed her, she had raised 
her favourite to the first posts and dignities of the kingdom : 
she had made him in succession, Governor of the Prince, 
Member of the Privy Council, Count, Prime Minister ; and 
such a Prime Minister as Denmark had never seen ! Every 
measure was swayed by his will — every office filled by his 
creatures — in every thing but in name, he was now our 
King. 

Roller. 

Admirable ! 

Queen. 

Observing that he listened attentively, I proceeded bold- 
ly to declare the whole truth ; to depict Struensee as he is, 
an arrogant upstart, an adventurer, unprincipled and base ; 
who, forgetful of all the benefits and honours he had re- 
ceived ; dead to every sentiment of gratitude ; false to the 
most sacred obligations ; had not scrupled to offer to his 
King and benefactor, the last and deepest injury ; and mas- 
ter of the person, as of the affections of the Queen, had 
outraged the majesty of the throne itself. 

KoLLER. 

The effect— the effect ? 

Queen. 

Was immediate and striking. A sudden, vivid blush of 
shame spread over his pale and melancholy face, and his just 
resentment flashed from his eyes. With more force, more 



•* 



14 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

energy than I believed him to possess, he rose from his seat 
and exclaimed, " the Queen, the Queen ! let her come to 
" me instantly. I must and will speak to the Queen." 

Roller. 
Ha ! and then ! 

Queen. 

Almost at the moment, the Queen herself, Matilda, enter- 
ed ; her carriage, lofty as usual ; her air, proud and haughty 
in the extreme. It was plain that she knew, or at once 
divined the object of my visit ; for as she swept by me, con- 
scious of her power, she cast on mc a glance that spoke her 
soul — a glance of mingled triumph and disdain. I could 
not endure her presence, and left her alone with the King. 
What arts she used; what means of seduction or terror she 
employed, I know not ; the result you see, the edict of this 



morning. 



Roller. 

Yes ; and the next will be your imprisonment or exile. 
Till then, her resentment will not be satisfied — her revenge 
complete. 

Queen, (Rising from her seat.) 

No, no ! That shall not be. We have still time to pre- 
vent her ; and this very night, — but look, who are coming ? 

Roller. 

Friends of Struensee ; that young coxcomb, De Goehler, 
the Minister of War and his daughter. 

Queen. 

Matilda's favourite maid of honour. Silence ! (The 
Queen seats herself, and Roller retires behind her chair. 
Enter, first De Goehler and Christina, and shortly after, 
Falkenshield.) 



Scene III.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 15 

SCENE THIRD. 

The Queen-Mother, Roller, Falkenshield, Christina 

and De Goehler. 

De Goehler, (Talking to Christina as they advance.) 

Oh ! Ma'am'selle, the Queen is charming, irresistible ! 
She has invited several of us to join her morning ride, and 
a glorious cavalcade we shall make. Have you ever seen 
the Queen on horseback ? She is superb ! So firm, and 
graceful, and bold ! 

Christina, (Stopping De Goehler.) 

The Queen-Mother ! (They all advance and bow.) I was 
on my way to your Majesty's apartments. 

Queen. 

Mine! 

Christina. 
I am charged with a message to your Majesty. 

Queen. 

You can deliver it here. 

Falkenshield. 

I cannot wait, Christina. I have not yet offered my con- 
gratulations to his Excellency, the Prime Minister. The 
edict of this morning establishes his power. (Approaches, 
and looks steadily at the Queen.) It is now plain that all 
his enemies are defeated, and that the confidence of the 
King is unlimited — 

Queen, (Impetuously.) 
As the baseness of flatterers and cowards. 

Falkenshield, (Retreats suddenly, aside.) 
Shocking malignity ! 



16 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

De Goehler. 

And I, my lord, will soon follow you, to tender to his Excel- 
lency the homage of my respects, and of those of my uncle, 
who is prevented by indisposition from attending in person. 

Falkenshield. 
Indeed ! 

De Goehler. 

Yes. He was imprudent enough to accompany the 
Queen yesterday evening in her excursion on the water, 
and his sea-sickness is not quite over. 

Queen. 
A sea-sick Minister of the Navy ! 

De Goehler. 
Oh ! a trifle, madam ; the sea was not very rough. 

Falkenshield, (Perceiving Roller, who had stepped for- 
ward?) 

Ah ! Colonel, I had not observed you. You know that 
we have considered your petition. 

Queen, (Aside to Roller.) 
You petition ! 

Roller, (Aside.) 
To blind them. 

Falkenshield. 

It is not in our power, Colonel, at present, to comply 
with your wishes. There is but a single vacancy, and the 
Queen has recommended to us a young officer — 



Scene IV.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 17 



De Goehler. 

A most accomplished cavalier! and the first dancer in the 
kingdom ! His Hungarian waltz, at the last ball, the Queen 
said was extatic. 

Falkenshield. 

Hereafter, Colonel Roller, your claims will not be for- 
gotten, and in the next promotion of general officers you 
may expect to find your name, if you continue to serve us 
with the same zeal and — 

Queen. 

Learn to dance ! 

Falkenshield, (With a forced laugh.) 

Ha ! ha ! ha ! Your Majesty is in a pleasant humour : 
I am glad, that the edict of this morning has had such an 
exhilarating effect on your Majesty's spirits. I offer to your 
Majesty my humblest respects. [Bows, and exit 

De Goehler. 

Ha ! ha ! ha ! Your Majesty is certainly very pleasant. 
I offer to your Majesty my humblest respects. 

[Bows profoundly, and exit 



SCENE FOURTH. 

The Queen-Mother, Roller and Christina. 

Queen, (Aside to Roller.) 
Insolence and folly ! and now, young lady, your message. 

Christina. 

It is from the Queen, Madam. 

3 






- 



18 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

Queen. 

Ah ! Matilda, who to wreak her revenge, doubtless, sends 
you 

Christina. 

To entreat that your Majesty will honour with your pre- 
sence the ball which she intends to give to-morrow evening. 

Queen, {Greatly surprised) 

I honour ! (Striving to recover herself.) There is to be 
a ball then — another ball, to-morrow r evening, at Court? 

Christina. 
The most splendid that has yet been given. 

Queen, (With suppressed anger.) 

It is fitting it should be. It is to celebrate her last and 
greatest triumph — and she invites my presence. 

Christina. 
And I entreat your Majesty's answer. 

Queen. 
You shall have it. I reject the invitation. 

Christina. 
Reject ! May I not ask for what reasons ? 

Queen, 

Can it be necessary to give any ? Are there any, not 
lost to self-respect, not careless of their own honour, who 
mean to sanction by their presence this scandalous fete ? 
A minion's triumph ! a husband's shame ! a King's dis- 
grace ! A ball where Matilda and Struensee preside, has 
no place for me, nor should it have for you, young lady : 



Scene IV.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 19 

and this you would long since have seen, had not your 
father, when he placed you at Court, commanded you to be 
blind. 

Christina, (Respectfully, but firmly.) 

Your Majesty's reproaches I cannot understand ; nor can 
I enter on a discussion alike unsuitable to my age, and the 
station which I hold. Resolved to fulfil my own duties, I 
obey my father, and respect the Queen, my mistress : I 
accuse no one, I suspect no one ; if accused or suspected 
myself, my own conduct shall be, as it has been, my sole de- 
fence. If I have spoken too boldly, I entreat your Majesty's 
pardon. 

Queen, {Softened) 

Well, well. {Observing Christina about to go.) But 
why in such haste to leave me ? You cannot spare me even 
a few minutes — you must go to the Queen, your mistress. 

Christina. 
Not so, Madam. I have other cares that — 

Queen. 

True, true ; I had forgotten. There is to be a feast this 
day — every day has its feast ; — a feast at your father's 
house — a grand dinner, to which all the Ministers are in- 
vited. 

Roller. 
A political dinner. 

Queen. 

Not entirely so. Our young friend's intended marriage 
will be announced. It is her ante-nuptial feast. 

Christina, ( With surprise.) 
Marriage ! Mine, Madam ! 



20 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

Queen. 

Do you not know that your father has chosen the young 
De Goehler as your future husband, and that to-day your 
engagement will be declared 1 Is it possible that you are 
ignorant of this, and that you learn it from me for the first 
time ? I am sorry for it, as the affair seems so very con- 
trary to your own inclinations. 

Christina. 

Your Majesty mistakes my feelings ; they always coin- 
cide with my duty to my father. I ask permission to with- 
draw. [Courtesies, and exit. 



SCENE FIFTH. 
The Queen-Mother and Roller. 

Queen. 

Has it not struck you, Roller ? This dinner at her 
father's, at which Struensee and all his colleagues will be 
present. It was of this I meant to speak when we were 
interrupted. 

Roller. 
And of what consequence, Madam, is this dinner ? 

Queen. 

Consequence ! Do you not see that our enemies are 
delivered into our hands ? that now, this evening, at one 
blow, we may rid ourselves of them all ; and for ever ? 

Roller. 
I confess I do not clearly 



Scene V.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 21 

Queen. 

You are slow. The regiment you command is on guard : 
Will not the soldiers obey your orders? Is it not by 
soldiers that men are arrested, and when they resist, put 
to death ? Be prompt, be bold, and success is certain. 

KOLLER. 

Could I believe that the King — 

Queen. 

Doubt it not ! He has not the force to act for himself; 
but he will sanction all that we shall do. It is in his name 
that you must act ; and in his name, when you have acted, 
call the people to your support. You must not hesitate ; 
there is no other course. It is thus, and thus only, that 
to-morrow I shall be Queen Regent, and you a Major 
General. 

Roller. 

You are right, Madam. You have convinced me: The 
plan is yours, the execution shall be mine. It will be a 
coup de main, rapid and decisive, and suits me as a soldier 
infinitely better than a slow intrigue. This evening, I de- 
liver the Ministers, alive or dead, into your Majesty's power ; 
Struensee, De Goehler, Falkenshield, and the oldest sin- 
ner of them all, Rantzau. 

Queen. 
No, no ! Rantzau must be spared. 

Roller. 

The last man that I shall consent to spare. He is my 
enemy, and I hate him ; his sarcasms on military men, car- 
pet-knights, as he calls them, who seek their promotion, not 
in the field, but in the drawing-room, I shall never forgive. 



22 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

Queen. 
His sarcasms ! How do they touch you ? 

Roller. 

It is against me, chiefly, that they are aimed. It is I, 
especially, who am the object of his bitter raillery; but my 
revenge — 

Queen. 

Must be postponed, at least. Rantzau is necessary to 
our cause. His high reputation in foreign Courts, and his 
popularity at home, combined with his eminent talents, 
and his great wealth, will give that weight and stability to 
our party, which, it must be owned, we greatly need. The 
persons, whose names you have here given me as our 
friends, (she hands him a paper,) are respectable, no doubt ; 
but, after all, they have but little influence at home, and 
abroad are wholly unknown. Remember, it is not enough 
to depose Struensee ; we must succeed him, and sustain 
ourselves in his place. 

Roller. 

True ; but must vou seek for allies in the ranks of vour 
enemies ? 

Queen. 

Rantzau is not my enemy — the proofs that he is not are 
decisive. It has long been in his power to effect my ruin ; 
yet, far from seeking it, he has frequently, though indirectly, 
warned me of the dangers to which my own rashness was 
about to expose me. Add, that Struensee is jealous of him. 
fears him, and seeks his opportunity to remove and de- 
grade him. All this Rantzau is too sagacious not to have 
perceived, and it is therefore certain that he wishes Stru- 
ensee's downfall ; from wishing it to aiding it, there is but 
one step. 



Scene VI. ] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 23 



KoLLER. 

It is very possible ; but this selfish old courtier, this 
cunning and malicious Rantzau, I shall never be brought 
to endure. He says that he is no man's enemy ; it is cer- 
tain that he is no man's friend — but his own. If he engage 
in the conspiracy, it will be with a sole view to his own 
interests. We shall gain nothing by acting with him ; and 
I therefore still think that it is better to act without him. 

Queen. 

You are mistaken, greatly mistaken ; — but hold ; I see 
him now in the gallery, in conversation with the High 
Chamberlain. Leave me to meet him, alone. Before I 
reveal to him my projects, I am resolved to discover his 
own thoughts. 

KOLLER. 

Your Majesty will find that a difficult task ; but as you 
command, I leave you ; I shall go and spread my agents 
through the city, to prepare and manufacture public opi- 
nion for our use. My creatures, Cosvelt and Herman, are 
admirably skilled in that ; and to make them act, it is only 
necessary to pay them well. This I shall do ; and to night, 
Madam, you may rely on me, my soldiers and their 
swords — the best instruments, after all, in any conspiracy. 

[Exit. 

SCENE SIXTH. 
The Queen-Mother and Rantzau. 

Queen, (to Rantzau, who bows as he enters.) 

And so, Count Rantzau, vou also have come to offer 
your congratulations, to tender your homage, to the fortu- 
nate colleague, who has become your master. 






24 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

Rantzau. 

And why, Madam, have I not come to pay the respects 
that I owe to your Majesty ? 

Queen. 

That would be generous, indeed, now that I am in utter 
disgrace, perhaps on the eve of exile. 

Rantzau. 

Can your Majesty think they would dare 

Queen. 

It is to you I put the question ; to you, a Minister, a 
Member of the Cabinet ; I may suspect you know their 
intentions. 

Rantzau. 

Alas ! Madam, of what they do or intend, I am very 
ignorant. Anxious only for retirement, I rarely attend the 
meetings of the Council, and generally for one sole pur- 
pose, to protect the interests of friends whom I value, to 
save them from the consequences of their own imprudence. 
Perhaps such are my motives for attending to-day. 

Queen. 

Ah ! you are very ignorant ; but it seems you do know — 

Rantzau. 

All that passed yesterday in your interview with the 
King. I do, Madam, and I think your Majesty must now 
be satisfied that your attempt was rash in the extreme. 
Why, Madam, there is not a mechanic, a shopkeeper in 
Copenhagen with whom it could have succeeded ; and to 

hope that you could persuade a king that he was 

Ah ! Madam, it was a blunder. 



Scene VI.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 25 

Queen. 

What ! you blame me for my fidelity to the King ? You 
blame me for attempting to unmask the wretches who ruin 
and betray him ? 

Rantzau. 

For attempting, and not succeeding? Yes, Madam. 

Queen. 

Success is not yet impossible. Should I succeed, may I 
rely on your aid and support ? 

Rantzau. 

In that event, it is I, Madam, who would be forced to 
seek your Majesty's protection. 

Queen. 

Which you know you would have ; and the assurance I 
am ready to confirm by an oath. Will you give me the 
same pledge? I do not say now, but when the danger shall 
have passed ? 

Rantzau. 

The danger ! There is danger then at hand ? 

Queen. 
Count Rantzau, may I not trust you ? 

Rantzau, {Smiling.) 

Your Majesty must judge. It seems to me that I have 
long been in possession of secrets, that if disclosed, might 
affect your Majesty — and yet they are safe. 

Queen. 

True. Listen, then ! Count Falkenshield gives a grand 



26 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

dinner this evening, to which you and all your colleagues 
are invited. 

Rantzau. 

Even so ; and to-morrow evening agrand ball will be given 
at Court, to which my colleagues and myself are also 
invited. It is our mode of conducting the affairs of the 
nation : if the right one, they are certainly in a prosperous 
state; for that we dine with assiduity, and dance with 
energy, cannot be denied. 

Queen. 

It is of the dinner I speak — the dinner this day. I 
advise you not to go. I wish you to remain at home. 

Rantzau. 

Ah! Your Majesty fears the entertainment may be 
disturbed — it may end unpleasantly. 

Queen. 
Exactly so. I have now said enough. 

Rantzau. 

Enough ? This fragment of confidence enough ? Your 
Majesty should understand me. Secrets which I am left 
to divine, I may reveal ; those which are entrusted to me, 
never. 

Queen. 

You are right ; you deserve and shall have my entire con- 
fidence. Know, then, that to night a band of soldiers, 
devoted to my will, will surround the Palace of Count 
Falkenshield, and seize on every passage. 

Rantzau. 

Soldiers ! They have no leader, then ? 



Scene VI.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 27 

Queen. 

Roller will command them. Roller, who acts under my 
orders. When the traitors are secured, he and his soldiers 
will rush into the streets, and with loud cries of" support 
the Ring," "death to the traitors," excite the people to 
join them. The result is certain ; the citizens and soldiers 
will then proceed in a body to the Royal Palace, and it is 
there that your aid will be required. 

Rantzau. 

Indeed ! 

Queen. 

If you advise, the Ring will not hesitate to comply 
with their demands ; Struensee will be imprisoned, Matilda 
exiled : To-morrow I shall be Queen-Regent, and you 
and Roller, acting in my name, will govern Denmark. 
This is my project ; will you assist its execution ? 

Rantzau. 

Certainly not. Madam, certainly not ; and much do I 
regret that I have any knowledge of the existence of the 
plot ; but I repeat the assurance, the secret shall die with 
me. 

Queen. 

You refuse ! You, who have so often proved yourself 
my friend ; you, on whom I relied ! 

Rantzau. 

As a conspirator? Your Majesty mistakes me. 

Queen. 

How so? 












28 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 



Rantzau. 

I entreat your Majesty's attention. I mean to be frank 
and open. 

Queen. 

Ah! You mean to deceive me. 

Rantzau. 

With what object ? The case is this : It is long since I 
resolved not to engage in any plot or conspiracy whatever. 
My experience has shown me, that those who incur the 
hazards, seldom reap the profits ; it is for others that they 
labour ; they sow at the peril of their lives, and others, in 
security, gather the harvest. All this may suit the young, 
the hot-headed, the ambitious; persons who generally have 
little to lose, and who never reason ; but I have much to 
lose, and I do reason, it is my habit ; I am advanced in life, 
have some rank and consideration in the world, and a for- 
tune sufficiently ample. Why should I hazard all that I pos- 
sess? Why risk, I entreat your Majesty to tell me, why 
risk, the position that I now hold in society and in the state ? 

Queen. 

To gain a higher, the highest — to prostrate, to humble at 
your feet the enemy who is secretly plotting your ruin. 
Yes, I know it, it is certain, Struensee and his friends have 
resolved to disgrace you. 

Rantzau. 

Such I know is the general belief, but not mine. Stru- 
ensee owes to me his first introduction into public life ; he 
owes to me his knowledge of public affairs ; his present 
elevation is, in a measure, my work. All this it is true he 
seems almost, if not entirely, to have forgotten, but in his 
position, it is so difficult not to forget ! All Prime Ministers 
have bad memories. 






Scene VI.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 29 

Queen. 

He is ungrateful, you own. and yet you support him ! 

Rantzau. 

There may be reasons. His abilities are of a high order, 
his views large and statesman-like — there is some honour 
in an alliance with him ; but to act with Koller ! an obscure 
and sedentary soldier, whose sword has always clung to its 
scabbard, an intriguer, as false as he is miserable, who 
invariably sells those who think they have bought him ! 

Queen. 

Enough. You are prejudiced against Koller : You 
regard him as your enemy. 

Rantzau. 

I, Madam ! I have no prejudices, no enmities ; but 1 have 
studied the man, and think I know him. When a statesman 
is adroit, subtle, dissembling, perhaps something more — why, 
we may forgive him ; something like this we expect ; he 
seems to be in his vocation ; but a soldier, who should be 
frank, open, loyal, — a soldier, plotting in the dark, is odious, 
is revolting. I shall rejoice, Madam, if, before this evening 
arrive, you have not cause to lament that you have trusted 
this Koller. 

Queen. 

I have no such fears ; and if we succeed, of what conse- 
quence is it what means or agents we employ ? 

Rantzau. 

If! (Taking snuff.) Very little — possibly none ; but you 
will not succeed. Your project, as now formed, will seem 
to the world merely an affair of personal ambition and pri- 
vate revenge. What do the multitude care, whether you 



30 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

prevail in a family quarrel over the Queen your rival ? or 
whether Koller shall gain from you the promotion for which 
he sells himself, and which, from us, he has sought in vain ? 
The whole is a mere Court intrigue, and as such, the mass 
will regard it with supreme indifference. 

Queen. 

Proceed. 

Rantzau. 

There is but one mode, Madam, believe me, by which 
the change you desire can be safely made. It must be 
effected or prepared by the people themselves ; and to 
induce the people to act, their own interests must be in 
question ; or at least they must be made to believe that they 
are so. I repeat it, public opinion must be gained to your 
cause, the nation must be with you ; otherwise, you may 
create a disturbance, you may make a revolt, petty and 
ephemeral, but a revolution, never ! If you succeed, you 
succeed but for a dav. 

Queen. 

Be it so ! Let me triumph but for a day ! there will be 
time enough for revenge — revenge on all my enemies. 

Rantzau. 

Ah ! Madam, the very feelings you now avow may pre- 
vent your success. The worst possible elements in a con- 
spiracy, are resentment, anger, the desire of revenge ; they 
take away that calm self-possession which is indispensable. 
Besides, to dislike, to hate any one, is always bad policv, 
very bad policy. The enemy of to-day it may be conve- 
nient to embrace as a friend to-morrow. 

Queen. 
Embrace my enemies ! Have you done ? 



Scene VII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 31 



Rantzau. 

And then, Madam, — I shall now finish — All your inten- 
tions are known to Roller ; you have placed yourself in his 
power. Now, your Majesty may trust my long experience, 
when I say, that the great art in all affairs of importance, 
the leading maxim, is, not to commit yourself at any time 
to any person : in short, to be the sole depositary of your 
own secrets. Why, Madam, should I, — I, who hate conspi- 
racies, as I have told you, and never mean to embark in 
any ; yet should I — impelled by my regard for your inte- 
rests, perhaps your safety — think it advisable to put in mo- 
tion the necessary engines, not even your Majesty should 
know or suspect that the motion was directed by my hand. 



You perplex me 



We are interrupted. 



Queen. 



Rantzau. 



SCENE SEVENTH. 

The Queen-Mother, Rantzau and Eric. 
Eric appears in the rear, conversing with an Officer. 

Queen. 

It is young Eric BurckenstafF, the son of my silk mercer. 
Come forward, come forward, Mr. Eric. I hope your good 
father is well. Is there any service that I can render you, 
Mr. Eric ? Speak your wishes. (Aside, to Rantzau.) 
You see, your lessons are not lost. 

Eric 
I accompanied my father to the Palace, who is now 



32 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

attending the leisure of the Queen, and I have taken the 

opportunity to wait on your Majesty to entreat (Stops, 

embarrassed.) 

Queen. 

Speak, without fear. 

Eric. 

It is so embarrassing, so painful, to solicit a favour, espe- 
cially when conscious, as I am, that you have no claims ! 

Rantzau. 

That is original — the first confession of the kind that I 
ever remember to have heard. Pray, young man — your 
face is familiar to me — have we not met before ? in the 
saloons of my colleague, Count Falkenshield ? 

Eric. 

Yes, my lord ; I was for two years his Private Secretary. 
My father's views are somewhat ambitious, and he solicited 
the place. It would have been wiser to have kept me in 
his own counting-house, a station better suited 

Rantzau. 

Not so, not so. I have heard Count Falkenshield, who 
is not easily satisfied, speak of your talents and attainments 
in terms of high praise. 

Eric 

I thank him. It is now about a fortnight since he dis- 
missed me from his service. 

Rantzau. 

Dismissed ! For what reasons ? 

Eric 
None were given : he had employed, and had the right to 



Scene VII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 33 

discharge me, and to a plebeian, like myself, the son of a 
merchant, no explanation could be due ; yet I must own I 
wish to obtain 

Queen. 
Another place ? You deserve one. 

Rantzau. 

Certainly; and since Count Falkenshield, Mr. Eric, has 
been so unadvised as to deprive himself of your services, 
and we Statesmen are somewhat apt to take advantage of 
the mistakes of our colleagues, I offer you, with me, the 
same situation that you held with him. 

Erne. 

Ah, my lord, it would be more, infinitely more than a 
compensation for my loss ; yet I am so circumstanced that 
I cannot accept it. 



And why ? 



Rantzau. 



Eric. 



Excuse me, my lord, I cannot explain myself, but it so 
happens, that my sole wish is to obtain a commission in the 
army: I care not in what regiment, nor in what branch of 
the service. The patronage belongs to Count Falkenshield, 
and to him I cannot apply. I have therefore come to im- 
plore your Majesty to use your influence in my behalf. 
Believe me, Madam, I will not be ungrateful : to your 
wishes and interests my life shall be devoted. 

Queen. 

Most gladly would I serve you had I the power ; but, alas ! 
far from having the least influence, I am in actual disgrace. 

5 






34 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

Eric. 

There is then no alternative but death ! 

Rantzau. 

You are too rapid, young man ; life has still some value 
left, and you have friends who cannot spare you ; of those 
friends I am one. 



You, my lord ! 



Eric. 



Rantzau. 



And using the privileges of a friend, I will solicit for you 
the commission which you desire. My colleague is some- 
what harsh, and at times a little obstinate ; yet, I think he 
will not deny me. 

Eric 

Ah, my lord, I shall be indebted to you for more than 
life : I shall then have the right to use the sword that I 
shall wear; if insulted, I may then demand redress, and — 

Rantzau. 

We are losing time. {Pointing to the table.) Sit down 
and draw your memorial. It shall be my care to have it 
approved by my colleague. I shall meet him this morning 
in Council. We meet at two, and the hour approaches. 
{While Eric is at the table, to the Queen.) A warm-hearted, 
generous youth, ready for any exploit, and equal to any. 

Queen. 
Is he to be trusted ? 

Rantzau. 

Youths of his age I never doubt ; at four or five and 
twenty the case is altered : they have become men. 



Scene VIII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 35 

Queen. 

Would he not be an admirable leader, should a rising of 
the people be necessary ? 

Rantzau. 

By no means. He has no influence, and is far too young. 

Were I in your Majesty's place But your Majesty must 

determine for yourself: I beg you to remark, that I give 
no advice, no opinion, whatever. 

(Eric returns, and delivers his memorial to Rantzau. The 
voice of Burckenstaff is heard without.) 

BURCKENSTAFF, (Without.) 

An insult ! an outrage ! 

Eric 
My father's voice ! 

SCENE EIGHTH. 
The Queen-Mother, Rantzau, Eric and Burckenstaff. 

Burckenstaff, {Entering, in a rage) 

Were I not in the King's own Palace — did I not know 
the respect that is due — 

Eric. 

Father ! you forget yourself. 

Burckenstaff, {Perceiving the Queen.) 

Oh ! Madam, I entreat your Majesty's pardon ; I know 
it is a breach, a shocking breach of etiquette, to be in a 
passion in a Royal Palace, and especially in your Majesty's 
presence, but — 



36 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

Queen. 

Speak as you feel, Meinherr ; what is it that disturbs you ? 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

An insult, Madam, an insult offered in my person to the 
whole mercantile body of Copenhagen. 

Queen. 

Explain yourself. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

I, a syndic of the merchants, kept for two hours and a 
quarter waiting in an anti-chamber, and then an insolent 
powdered coxcomb sent to tell me, " You may go, good 
"man, the Queen is indisposed, and cannot look at your 
" stuffs to day — you may go." 

Rantzau, {Approaching.) 
This seems hardly credible. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Had it been true, had it been true, I could have borne it ; 
but May I speak before your Majesty without offence ? 

Queen. 

Certainly you may. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Then it was false ; for while the rascal was speaking, I 
saw from the window the Queen herself, walking arm in 
arm with Count Struensee in the garden. 

Rantzau. 

Indeed ! Is it possible ! 



Scene V11I.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 37 



BURCKENSTAFF. 

They were in high spirits, conversing gaily, and every 
now and then they burst into laughter, peals of laughter, of 
which I — I was the object. 

Rantzau, {Gravely.) 

You go too far, Meinherr. I can never believe they were 
laughing at you. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

But they were, my lord, they were, I know it, for they 
looked up, from time to time, at the very window where I 
was, and then they laughed again, and louder than before. 
The Queen and her Minister might, I think, be better em- 
ployed, than in laughing at a respectable citizen, who pays 
his dues and his taxes, and owes no man a farthing ! They 
might be better employed, he in attending to the affairs of 
the kingdom, and she, to those of her own family — they are 
both, I am told, in some disorder. 

Eric. 
In the name of heaven, father ! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Silence, boy ! All that I call mine, is mine ; and you, espe- 
cially are mine — my own son ; your mother, thank heaven, is 
an honest woman, and I have a right to hold up my head, 
wherever I walk. There are Princes and Kings too, I 
have heard, who cannot say as much. 

Rantzau, (With severity.) 
Meinherr Burckenstaff! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Oh ! my lord, as for the King, I say God bless him ; but 
as for the Queen and her favourite, Struensee 



38 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

Eric. 

Have you lost your senses, father ! Should you be over- 
heard 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

What then ! what should I fear ? I am not one of your 
petty dealers, who import all they sell from London or 
Paris. All that I sell, I manufacture myself, and my ware- 
houses and factories are a suburb of the city. I have eight 
hundred men in my employ. Let them lay their hands on 
me, let them touch a hair of my head, and you shall see ! all 
Copenhagen will be in a flame, the whole city will revolt. 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 

Indeed ! it is well to know this. (Eric retires with his 
father, and tries to appease him. Rantzau approaches the 
Queen.) Should a rising of the people be necessary, here 
seems to be the leader. (Pointing to Burckenstaff.) 

Queen. 
What ! that dolt, that self-important blockhead ! 

Rantzau. 

Even so ; a dolt, a cipher, if you please ; but your Ma- 
jesty surely knows that a cipher well placed, swells prodi- 
giously the sum total ; — he is exactly the man to push 
forward, to put in the front, to take the responsibility. Were 
I to engage in a conspiracy, and had this merchant allotted 
to me as my province, I would extract from him a most 
abundant revenue. 

Queen. 
I perceive that you are serious. Meinherr Burckenstaff. 

Burckenstaff, (Coming forward.) 
Madam. 



Scene VIII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 39 



Queen. 

I can hardly express, Meinherr, how much I am pained 
and grieved, at the unworthy treatment you have received. 
The interests of commerce I shall always favour, and those 
who are its principal agents, I hold in high esteem. If there 
is any service, Meinherr, that I can render to you personally, 
I beg you to speak your wishes. 

BURCKENSTAFP. 

Your Majesty's goodness overpowers me ; but as you 
command me to speak, I must own, there is an office that 
I have long wished to obtain ; that of silk mercer to the 
Crown. 

Eric, {To his father, aside.) 

Why, father, you forget, it is held by your friend, your 
old friend Revantlow. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

What then, what then ? he is old, and it does not suit him, 
and — and the interests of commerce require it. {To the 
Queen.) I have strong claims to the office, may it please 
your Majesty ; I have long been in the habit of furnishing 
the silks of the Court. Your Majesty has alwavs made vour 
purchases of me: so did the Queen Matilda, when she was 
not indisposed; and this morning Count Falkenshield has 
ordered for the marriage of his daughter. 

Eric. 

His daughter, married ! 

Rantzau, {Looking at Eric closely.) 

Yes, my young friend, she is to be married to the young 
Baron De Goehler. 



40 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I, 

Eric. 

Married to him ! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

And what is her marriage to you ? 

Eric. 

Oh, nothing ; I rejoice on your account. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

You have reason to do so ; for not only the silks, but the 
carpets, the hangings, the lustres, in short, the whole furni- 
ture of the new establishment, will be supplied from my 
warehouses ; it is a magnificent affair. 

Rantzau. 

(To the Queen, and looking into the anti-chamber of 
Struensee.) Count Falkenshield is approaching ; he must 
pass here on his way to the Council. 

Queen. 

I shall not wait to see him. Adieu ! Meinherr Burcken- 
staff, you shall hear from me soon. [Exit the Queen. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

The office is mine, beyond a doubt. My wife must know 
it. Come Eric. 

Rantzau. 

No ; let him remain ; I have a word to say to him. 
(Exit Burckenstaff.) Withdraw to the gallery. (To 
Eric.) When the Count leaves me, return, and you shall 
know the fate of your memorial. (Eric withdraws) 



Scene IX.J SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 41 

SCENE NINTH. 
Rantzau and Falkenshield. 

Falkenshield, (Enters, in a reverie.) 

Struensee is wrong, very wrong. Fixed in power as he 
now is, his fears are idle — he may dare any thing. Ah ! my 
dear colleague, (Seeing Rantzau,) you are for the Council 
to-day — and, as usual, punctual to the hour. 

Rantzau. 

It is not often of late that I attend, but when I do, I am 
punctual. Pray what is the subject that we are called to 
consider ? 

Falkenshield. 

One of much delicacy and importance, and lam glad 
that we shall have the benefit of your counsels. There 
prevails, at present, in general discourse, a freedom, a 
license 

Rantzau. 

At Court, you mean ? 

Falkenshield. 

No, No, in the city, w r here the vilest slanders against the 
Queen and the Prime Minister are boldly uttered : Even 
libels and caricatures, of the worst tendency, are now 
widely circulated, and eagerly bought. We have been too 
indulgent, and strong measures, I am persuaded, are neces- 
sary : None other can arrest the evil ; but Struensee hesi- 
tates, and seems to fear an insurrection of the people. 

Rantzau. 

Libels on the Queen ! The offence, it seems to me, is 

6 



42 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

little short of high treason, and the powers which the law 
gives us 

Falkenshield. 

Are ample, and should be put in force. I agree with 
you entirely. 

Rantzau. 

I certainly incline to the opinion, that an example of 
severity might be useful. Select for punishment one man 
of influence, and well known, and you will terrify all. I 
have heard of such a man, who is noted for his bold 
speeches and factious spirit ; he is rich, too, and in his own 
quarter of the city, regarded as an oracle. 

Falkenshield. 
Ris name ? 

Rantzau. 

It has escaped me. My memory rarely serves me as to 
names. He is a large manufacturer and silk merchant. 

Falkenshield. 

Reinhart BurckenstafF? 

Rantzau. 

The very man. But understand me, I speak only from 
the information of others, and what I have heard may be 
untrue, or 

Falkenshield. 

Your information, I doubt not, is perfectly correct ; 
rumors of the same kind have reached my ears ; he shall 
be taken care of. 



Scene IX.| SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 43 

Rantzau. 

His punishment need not be very serious. A day or two 
in prison. 

Falkenshield. 
Ten or twelve. It is an admirable suggestion. 

Rantzau. 

Oh ! the plan is your own, and you shall have the credit 
of it with the Queen. 

Falkenshield. 

I thank you. The example, I believe, will be effectual. 
Imprison him, the rest will be silent. I have now a favour 
to ask. 

Rantzau. 

Of me ? How can I serve you ? 

Falkenshield. 

You know that the young Baron De Goehler is to marry 
Christina, and a suitable provision must, of course, be made 
for them ; there is an office now vacant, for which I wish to 
propose the Baron ; it is honourable and lucrative, and will 
give him a right to be present at the deliberations of the 
Council. It is that of our Secretary ; and I trust, my dear 
colleague, that you will not oppose the nomination. 

Rantzau. 

Oppose ! What objection can there be ? 

Falkenshield. 

It occurred to me, that you might possibly think his youth 
an objection. 






44 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

Rantzau. 

An objection ! It is a positive merit. It is youth that 
now reigns. The Queen must recollect, that if youth is to 
be deemed a reproach, it is one that she must endure her- 
self for many, many years. 

Falkenshield. 

You have settled it. That single speech will decide the 
Queen. How truly is it said, that Count Rantzau is the 
most amiable, as well as the most disinterested of Statesmen, 

Rantzau. 

Disinterested ! not entirely so. I have also a favour to 
ask — a lieutenancy. 

Falkenshield. 
It is granted. 

Rantzau. 

You had better, however, look at the memorial. The 
name 

Falkenshield. 

Can be of no consequence : Your recommendation is 
enough. Still, as you wish it, (Takes the paper, and reads,) 
Eric Burckenstaff! (Changes countenance, and returns the 
memorial.) It is impossible — it cannot be. 

Rantzau, (Coolly, taking snuff.) 
You think so ! Oblige me with your reasons. 

Falkenshield. 

What! the son of the disaffected, factious brawler, 
whom 



Scene IX.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 45 

Rantzau. 

You speak of the father ; the son is discreet and loyal ; it 
will be good policy, it seems to me, to set off his reward 
against the punishment of the father. 

Falkenshield. 

Possibly, possibly ; but a lieutenancy to a boy scarce 
twenty 

Rantzau. 

I thought we had agreed in the opinion, that youth is not 
a disqualification, but a positive merit. 

Falkenshield. 

True, true ; but this young man has seen no service ; his 
years have been passed in his father's counting-house and 
my office — he has no experience whatever. 

Rantzau. 

His experience in military affairs, I confess, is not great ; 
it is exactly the same as that of the Baron, in civil : still, if 
you press the objection, I yield : I defer to your authority, 
and your example shall govern my own conduct. 

Falkenshield. 
How so? in what respect? 

Rantzau. 

The rule that you follow as to the lieutenant, as the cases 
happen not to be distinguishable, I must extend to the Sec- 
retary. 

Falkenshield, (Vexed, and biting his lips.) 

Ah ! it is always so ; you manage me as you please. 
Well, I withdraw my refusal ; I will consider — I will 
examine the case. 




46 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act I. 

Rantzau, (Coolly.) 

As you please, and when you please — to-day — to-morrow ; 
but it seems to me, I own, that it would be better to give 
me the commission before the Council meet. 

Falkenshield. 
Impossible — we have not time — it is now two o'clock. 

Rantzau, {Looking at his watch.) 
It wants exactly a quarter. 

Falkenshield. 
You must be slow. 

Rantzau. 

Not so, my watch is always right. Hence, I am always 
punctual to the hour. I mean to be so at the meeting of the 
Council to-day, though my course, when there, seems 
yet — a problem. 

Falkenshield. 

You are not to be resisted. And after all, a word and 
my signature are enough. (Takes the memorial, approves 
and returns it.) On this the commission will be made out 
for you, in the office. We meet again this evening, I trust. 
You dine with me ? 

Rantzau. 

I fear not. You know the delicate management that my 
health requires, and I dare not expose it to the temptations 
which your dinners always offer. But, at the Council board 
we shall meet. You may rely on me there. 

Falkenshield. 
I do so entirely. [Exit. 



Scene X.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 47 

SCENE TENTH. 

Rantzau and Eric. 

Eric, (Entering.) 
Pardon, my lord, pardon my impatience. 

Rantzau. 

You are appointed — you are a lieutenant. When the 
Council breaks up, I have business at your father's, and will 
bring your commission with me. 

Eric. 
In what terms, my lord, shall I express 

Rantzau. 

Say nothing. I knew you would be grateful, or I would 
not have served you. I have now a caution to give you, 
and in the strictest confidence. 

Eric. 

You honour me, my lord. 

Rantzau. 

It relates to your father. He is imprudent ; he speaks 
his opinions too openly. His strictures on the Queen and 
the Prime Minister, have reached ears, to which they are 
by no means agreeable ; I fear he may soon be involved in 
serious difficulties. 

Eric. 

What ! arrested, imprisoned ? 

Rantzau. 

It is possible, very possible : at any rate, his friends will 



48 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act 1. 

do well to watch over his safety, and remember my name 
is not to be mentioned. I rely on your secrecy. 

Eric. 

There is no torture, my lord, that can extract from me a 
word, that you would wish unsaid. [Exit. 



SCENE ELEVENTH. 

Rantzau, (Alone.) 

A fine, gallant youth ; full of the spirits, the generosity, 
and the illusions of his age. Ah ! could we always remain 

at his age But no, (smiling,) it is better as it is : At his 

age we are too easily duped. Now to the Council. [Exit. 



END OF ACT I. 



Scene I.J 



SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 



19 



ACT II. 



SCENE FIRST. 

Counting- House of Reinhart Burckenstaff. In the rear, 
a door, with windows at the side opening on the street. 
Shelves around the room, with packages. On the right, a 
large desk, with pigeon-holes. Near it, a table, with a 
writing-desk. On the left, a staircase, and a door behind it. 

Martha and Burckenstaff. 

Martha, (Standing at the large desk, taking papers Jrom 
the pigeon-holes and showing them to her husband, who is 
seated at the table writing.) 

Orders from Lubeck ! orders from Altona ! and orders, 
large orders, from St. Petersburgh ! 

Burckenstaff, (Impatiently) 
Well, well, very well. 

Martha. 

And then the letters of correspondents ! Look at the 
number ! (Holding out to him a parcel.) 

Burckenstaff. 
Trouble me not : You see that I am busy. 

Martha. 

But there is one letter that must be answered without 
delay. It is from the carpet merchant at Hamburgh ; the 
very best customer you have. 



50 SCHOOL FOE POLITICIANS. [Act II- 



BURCKENSTAFF. 



I — I write to a carpet merchant ! I, who am now writing 
to a Queen ! 

Martha. 
A Queen ! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Yes, Madam, the Queen-Mother. She will favour any 
application that has my support, and I am preparing a memo- 
rial to her, in behalf of the merchants generally. Oh ! had 
you seen her reception of me this morning ! had you heard 
from her own lips in what high esteem she holds me ! 

Martha. 

Humph ! And what will you gain by her esteem ? 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Gain ! You are a woman, a very woman. Your own 
household matters, and even our affairs here, you under- 
stand reasonably well ; but your views are confined, limited, 
very limited. What shall I gain? Influence, Madam, con- 
sideration, power ! First, in my ward, next, in the city, 
finally, in the state. 

Martha. 

And all this, because you are to be made silk mercer to 
the Crown ! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

You are ignorant, very ignorant, to suppose that I mean 
to rest in that petty office. It is a step, Madam, a step, 
merely, and the next will be Provost of the Merchants, 
and the next, Mayor, let me tell you, Lord Mayor of 
Copenhagen. You smile, but it is possible, more than 



Scene II.J SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 51 

possible, highly probable. My popularity in the city, com- 
bined with my influence at Court, will make the affair easy, 
certain. 



SCENE SECOND. 

Burckenstaff, Martha and Jan. 

Jan, (Enters hastily, and runs up to his Master, who had 
turned round to write.) 

Here am I, Master, here am I. The Baroness de Molke — 

Burckenstaff. 
What do you want? What is the Baroness to me ? 

Jan. 

The black velvet does not suit her at all ; she prefers a 
green, and says you must bring the patterns yourself. 

Burckenstaff. 

I — I leave the important affairs that occupy my mind, to 
wait on her with patterns ! Certainly, I will not : But the 
Baroness belongs to the Court, and must be served. Do you 
go, my dear wife, you understand the matter perfectly — 
do you go. They have disturbed my train of thought ; 
let me see what I have written. (Takes up the paper, and 
reads.) " Relying on your Majesty's known condescension 
" and goodness, and especially on your intentions to favour 
" commerce, as declared in your interview " 

Jan. 
But, Master, there's more : I've not done yet. 

Burckenstaff. 

And never will have ! What now ? 



52 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

Jan. 

I've got the money for the twenty-five yards of silk, 
imitation-Italian, and have brought it with me. Here it is. 

Burckenstaff, {Taking the hag.) 

How humbling ! how mortifying I to be compelled to give 
my mind to these matters of detail ! Here, (giving the bag 
to him,) take the bag up stairs to my cashier; tell him to 
count the money and enter it ; and mark me ! I must not be 
interrupted again. (Turns round, and seems to be thinking — 
pen in hand.) 

Jan, (Looking at the bag) 

Mortifying ! Egad, I wish he'd mortify me in the same 
way. 

Martha. 

Stop a moment. (As he is going.) You have been absent 
some hours, young man. You were sent, however, but to 
two places. 

Jan, (Aside.) 

Oh ! the devil ! She's not like the old man ; nothing 
escapes her. (Aloud.) Why, Mistress, I did stop two or 
three times or so, in the street : I could'nt help it : I 
wanted to know what was going on. The streets are full 
of people. Crowds at every corner, talking and disputing. 
(Burckenstaff turns round and listens.) 

Martha. 

Disputing ! About what ? 

Jan. 

I hardly know what — some edict 



.** 



Sem ii.] school for politicians. 53 

Martha. 

What edict ? 

Burckenstaff, (Coming forward.) 

Your ignorance amazes me ! why the edict published this 
morning, in the Court Gazette, by which the King has trans- 
ferred his Royal Authority to the Queen's favourite, 
Struensee. 

Jan. 

It may be so, Master, I don't pretend that I understood 
what they said ; but this I do know, they are loud and 
angry, and some are violent, and shake their fists and stamp 
their feet, and curse the Ministers. If it goes on so, there'll 
be a riot soon, depend on it. 

Burckenstaff. 

An insurrection, you mean. Perhaps there ought to be. 
It is very probable there will be. 

Jan. 

That's glorious ! 

Martha. 

What's glorious, blockhead ? 

Jan. 

Oh, Mistress! a mob — a riot — a row! There's nothing 
like it in this world ! When the shops are all shut, and work 
is all over, and we go where we please ; and then to mix in 
the crowd, and run up and down the streets, and knock down 
the constables, and break windows and smash the lamps, 
and shout and huzza ! 

Martha. 
Huzza ! For whom ? for what, fool ? 



54 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

Jan. 

No matter for what : It's all the same. 

Martha. 

Enough. Go up stairs, and do you hear, stay there. 
You go out no more this day. (She turns, and Jan goes up 
two or three steps and turns : her back is towards him.) 

Jan. 

That's maybe so — as the player says, there's more tricks 
in Denmark, old lady, — (Martha turns her head, and he 
runs up stairs.) 

Martha. (As she comes forward, Burckenstaff takes his 
hat and is quietly going out. She sees him just as he 
■ reaches the door.) 

Where are you going ? You, who were so busy, whose 
affairs were so important. 

Burckenstaff. 
To make the proper, the necessary inquiries. 

Martha. 

Nonsense ! 

Burckenstaff. 

Ah ! you are very quiet, you have no fears ; but this 
affair, let me tell you, is more serious than you imagine : It 
may end in a revolt, and then the whole Royal Family, even 
the Queen-Mother herself, may be in danger. I must pre- 
vent this. It is my duty to use my influence in her behalf. 
She protects me, and I ought 

Martha. 
And what is her protection to us ? We are rich enough 



Scenk II.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 55 

in all conscience. We have all we want, and it is folly to 
talk of the protection of any one. You are an independent 
citizen — independent of Kings and Queens and Nobles. 
Here, in your counting-house, you are King. This is your 
proper place, and here, {taking him by the arm, and leading 
him gently from the door.) God willing, you shall remain. 

BlJRCKENSTAFF. 

That is to say, Madam BurckenstafF, I am fit only, in your 
opinion, to measure silks and cast up accounts ; and thus, in 
my person, you undervalue commerce. 

Martha. 

I — I undervalue it ! I, the daughter of a trader — the 
wife of a trader : I, who think trade the most honourable 
of all pursuits ! You know better. A merchant, who is a 
merchant, I respect, I honour ; but when he gets above his 
business, deserts his counting-house for the King's Levee, 
and talks the nonsense of Courtiers, as you do, I own, I am 
vexed, I am angry, and 

BlJRCKENSTAFF. 

Fine, very fine, indeed. Since the Queen is known to 
govern her husband, there is not a woman in Denmark who 
does not think she has the same right. You abuse the 
Court, yet follow her example. 

Martha. 

Oh ! The Court, the Court again ; for mercy's sake no 
more of it. Why can you not be quiet at home ? Why 
not be happy as you are ? You have a nourishing business, 
numerous friends, a wife, a little quick tempered, I own, and 
who sometimes scolds you ; but who watches over your 
interests, and loves you dearly ; and then, you have a 
son, who has made us the envy of all our neighbours — a 
son, of whom we have reason to be proud — a son, from 
whom we may expect 



56 



SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 



BURCKENSTAFF. 

Ah ! ypur son : If you begin on that chapter 

Martha. 

I shall never finish. Be it so. You have your politics, 
and I have mine, and you shall know what they are. As 
to State affairs, as you call them, whether the Queen have 
or have not a favourite, whether this or that man shall be 
Minister, I know nothing, I care nothing. My politics are, 
to govern well my own family and household, to watch over 
your health and that of my son, and to make you and him, 
and all around me, as comfortable and happy as I can. 
These are the only State affairs I know, or ought to know ; 
for, as the proverb says, so say I, " Every man to his trade." 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

And who contradicts you ? 

Martha. 

You do. You, who forget that you are a manufacturer, 
and are crazy to be a great man : You, whose head is 
filled w T ith silly notions of your own importance, and who 
neglect and look down upon your old friends ; Michelson, 
for example, who has so often invited you to his country 
house. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Michelson ! A clothier ! a man of no consideration ! not 
the least weight ! without any political influence whatever ! 

Martha. 

Oh ! you vex me. I lose my patience. Your foolish 
pride will ruin us all. It was that led you to place your 
son with Count Falkenshield, as his Private Secretary, and 
now see what has followed ! The Count has dismissed him 



Scene III.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 57 

from his service, and ever since he has been discontented 
and unhappy. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

My son unhappy ! You know I love him, you know 
that I am proud of him. What does he want ? Is it mo- 
ney ? name the sum ; or here, take the key of my strong 
box, give him what you please, or let him help himself. 

Martha. 

Here he is. 

SCENE THIRD. 
Burckenstaff, Martha and Eric. 

Eric, {Entering hastily.) 

I rejoice, Sir, to find you at home. The streets are 
thronged, and the people in a state of high excitement. 
There is reason to fear a serious commotion. 

Burckenstaff. 

We have heard so ; but the cause I am not permitted to 
know. I was anxious to learn, but your mother was so 
alarmed 

Martha. 

I alarmed ! not a whit ; but I made you sensible 

Eric 

Enough, dear mother, enough, that you have wished it, 
and he has remained at home. 

Burckenstaff. 

Why so ? What danger could there be for me? 

8 






58 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 



Eric. 

Perhaps none ; but there are times when it is hardly 
possible to act with too much prudence. You are a sus- 
pected person, and all your movements are watched by the 
Government : You are rich, your influence is known to be 
extensive, and you are in the habit of expressing yourself 
with great freedom concerning the Queen and the Prime 
Minister. This morning, for example, in the Palace itself — 

Martha. 
Is it possible ! 

Eric. 

The opinions you express, Sir, may reach their ears, and 
then 

BlJRCKENSTAFF. 

And what then ? What care I ? I am not a petty shop- 
keeper, without name or credit. I am Reinhart Burcken- 
stafF, and they will think some time before they arrest me. 
Wish it, they may — dare it, they will not. 

Eric 

You are mistaken, Sir, greatly mistaken. They dare, and 
they will, 

Burckenstaff, (Alarmed.) 

What is it you say ? You cannot mean it ; it is not, it 
cannot be true. 

Martha. 

It is true. I knew it would be so. I told you it w r ould 
happen. We are lost ! We are ruined ! 

Eric 
Be calm, dear mother ; your fears are unreasonable. 



Scene III.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIAMS. 59 



BuRCKENSTAFF. 

Certainly they are. You ought not to be alarmed, wife. 
You trouble me ; you disconcert me ; you prevent me from 
thinking what ought to be done. In a crisis like this, I need 
the use of all my faculties. And where, Eric, did you get 
your information ? From whom did you learn the facts ? 

Eric. 

From the very best authority : A person who has a per- 
fect knowledge of the truth. His name, I am not at liberty 
to mention ; but you must believe me, Sir, indeed you must. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

I do, I do believe you ; and since your information is so 
positive, so very positive, what must be done ? 

Eric. 

The order for your arrest is not yet signed ; but I am 
persuaded it soon will be. The course that prudence 
dictates is plain. You must withdraw from the city as 
privately as you can, and conceal yourself for some days in 
the house of a friend. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Ay, ay ; in the house of my friend, my good old friend, 
Michelson. They will never J;hink of looking for me there. 
He is a quiet, inoffensive man, who meddles with nothing 
but his own affairs. 

Martha. 

Would to God you had never meddled 

Eric 
Oh, mother ! 



GO SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

Martha. 

True ; I must not reproach him now ; we must think 
only of his safety, the means of his escape. 

Eric. 

There will be no difficulty in effecting that. If you 
please, Sir, I will accompany you. 

BlJRCKENSTAFF. 

Not so, my son, you must remain here. Should the offi- 
cers come in search of me, your presence will restrain them, 
and prevent them from injuring my property ; besides, your 
mother needs your support ; you must remain to console her. 

Martha. 

Yes, Eric, you must remain. 

Eric. 

As you please. It is not at all necessary that I should go. 
Here is Jan. (Jan is seen coining down stairs.) He will 
be a sufficient escort. Jan, you must go with my father. 

Jan, (Eagerly.) 

That I will. (Looks at Martha.) That is if Mistress 
says so. 

Martha. 

I do. And remember, until you reach the place where 
you are going, you must not leave your Master ; you must 
not stop for a moment on the way, nor speak to any one. 

Jan. 

Just so, Mistress. (Turns to his Master.) Something 
has happened, then, Master ? 



Scene III.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 61 

Burckenstaff, (In a low tone.) 

The Court and the Ministers are enraged against me : 
They mean to arrest, to imprison me. 

Jan. 

Arrest you, Master ? By the Lord, I wish they would try 
that ; they would hear some noise, then, in old Copenhagen. 
We would soon make their fine Palaces shake about their 
ears : Mistress should see me then, and hear me too ; she 
would know what I can do. 

Martha. 
Peace, brawler ! 

Burckenstaff. 
Jan, Jan, you are too zealous. 

Eric 

And his zeal is quite useless, as nothing will happen. 

Jan, (Aside.) 

Nothing happen ! Something may tho' — We'll have 
some fun yet, or I'm mistaken. (Whilst he is speaking, 
Burckenstaff embraces his wife and son.) 

Burckenstaff. 

Farewell, farewell. (Exeunt Burckenstaff and Jan. 
Martha and Eric follow them to the door, look after them, 
for a short time, and return.) 






G2 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

SCENE FOURTH. 
Martha and Eric. 

Martha. 

You are certain that he will be restored to us in a few 
days ? 

Eric. 

There is no doubt of it. We have a powerful friend, 
who interests himself in our favour, and his influence will 
be sufficient to put an end to the prosecution. 

Martha. 

And when he returns we shall again be united and happy, 
and neither he nor you, my son, with my consent, shall ever 
leave me more. Why are you so grave ? {Looking up at 
him anxiously) Why are you so embarrassed ? 

Eric 

I fear, my dear mother, your wishes as to me cannot be 
realized. I must leave you, and shortly. 

Martha. 

Leave us ! can I trust my ears ! — What can you mean ? 

Eric 

I am desirous to enter the army, and have solicited a 
commission. 

Martha. 

You in the army — leave your parents — your home — your 
father's house. What have we done ? Have w r e done any 
thing to vex or grieve you? Believe me, we have not meant 
it. It is your happiness we seek. Let us know your wishes, 
they shall govern us in every thing. 



Scene IV.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 03 

ElUC. 

You grieve me ! Oh, my dear mother, you are as you 
have always been, the best and kindest of parents; I have 
myself only to blame ; but so it is, in this house, in this city, 
I cannot stay. 

Martha. 

And where would you go ? Where will you find any to 
love you as we do ? What is it that you desire ? Is it to 
live with more splendour in the world ? You shall outshine 
the proudest noble of them all. Here, {offering him the key,) 
dispose of our riches as you please ; your father consents, 
and I request it. It is for you only we have toiled, for you 
only our wealth is amassed, and all that we have, house, 
warehouses, money, merchandise, all — all, belong to you. 

Eric. 

Speak not thus, dear mother, speak not thus. I ask 
nothing, I want nothing, I deserve nothing. What must you 
think when I tell you, that the very wealth you now offer, 
the fruit of your honest toils, I am tempted to regard with 
aversion and scorn : That my father's calling, his character 
as a merchant, of which I was once so justly proud, has 
become my torment, and has driven me to despair ; that it 
prevents, alike, my happiness and my revenge, and is op- 
posed to the dearest and warmest passions of my soul. 

Martha. 

Gracious Heaven ! How is this ? 

Eric 

You shall know all ; the secret has long oppressed me, 
and to whom, if not to a mother, shall I confide it? 
Strange, that I must lament the education that you have 
given me, since it was that which led you to consent to our 
first separation. 




64 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

Martha. 

It was an error, I confess ; an error, but not mine. It 
was your father's ambition that placed you as Secretary in 
the Palace of Count Falkenshield, — 

Eric. 

And has caused the torments I endure : Admitted to 
the society, the daily, intimate society of his daughter, I 
soon felt that her unrivalled beauty was the least of her 
charms : Forced to know and appreciate all her excellence, 
her refined taste, her varied accomplishments, her admirable 
understanding, her sweetness, grace and vivacity, her sim- 
plicity and modesty, her generous, frank and noble dispo- 
sition, and above all, her perfect unconsciousness of her 
own superiority ; how could I do otherwise than love, 
adore, passionately adore her ? 

Martha. 

Adore Christina ! his daughter ! 

Eric. 

For nearly two years this passion has been the life of my 
soul, its bliss and its torment ; yet, do not imagine, that false 
to the sacred confidence that my station implied, I sought 
to win her affections or disclose my own ; but the secret I 
did not permit her to suspect, others, more sagacious, 
have divined. Her father observed my embarrassment, 
my confusion, my ill-suppressed transports, when in her 
presence : He saw that my eyes followed her slightest 
movement — that I blushed when she looked, and trembled 
when she spoke : Without explanation he sternly dismissed 
me from his service, and from that hour, you know, I have 
been restless, gloomy, miserable. 

Martha. 
Alas, too true ! 



\ 



Scene IV.J SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 05 



Eric. 

Not a day has since passed that I have not wandered, 
morning and evening, around the Palace and Gardens of 
Count Falkenshield, in the hope, that, at least, for a moment 
and at a distance, I might behold Christina; and for hours 
have I watched the windows of her apartments. Last 
night the fever that consumes me rose to madness, and, un- 
conscious of what I did or intended, I scaled the wall and 
entered the Gardens. 



Martha. 



Madness indeed ! 






Eric. 



The hour was late, and I was not aware that my en- 
trance had been observed, when I suddenly perceived 
the young Baron de Goehler, followed by two attendants, 
rapidly approaching me. He is her accepted lover, the 
husband chosen by her father. I was then ignorant of the 
fact, but the mere suspicion had filled my mind with resent- 
ment and dislike, so that when he advanced, and briefly 
and haughtily commanded me to depart, my tone in reply 
was, at least, as insolent as his own. Would that I could 
erase from my memory the scene that followed ! In a rage, 
he ordered his servants to seize and chastise me ; they at- 
tempted to obey, and, in the effort, one of them struck me. 
True, it was not repeated, for, as he struck, I felled the 
menial to the earth ; but the blow was given, and I rushed 
to the coward Master and demanded instant satisfaction. 

Martha. 
My son, my son, what followed ? 

Eric. 

He was agitated and trembled, but at last said, " Satisfac- 

9 






66 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

" tion, certainly, if you have any right to claim it. Your 
" name, Sir." I gave it. He recovered himself at once, 
and replied, contemptuously : " Eric Burckenstaff, the son 
" of my silk mercer ! I cannot descend quite so low. Had 
" you birth or rank, or a commission in the Army or Navy, I 

" might oblige you ; but, as it is " He stopped, and with 

a short and scornful laugh, turned and left me — left me : fixed 
to the spot with rage and shame. 

Martha. 
Insolent coward ! 

Eric. 

Birth, I have not ; rank, I cannot hope to obtain ; but a 
commission in the army 

Martha. 

You must not, you shall not have ! You have no right to 
claim it ; they have no right to give it to you. You shall 
not leave me : I will not lose both husband and son on the 
same day : What are these proud Nobles or their daugh- 
ters to me ? I am your mother, you are my son, and there 
is no force shall take you from my arms. (Embracing him.) 



SCENE FIFTH. 

Martha, Eric and Jan. 

Jan. (As he enters, shouts are heard in the street. He 
turns at the door, and speaks to those without.) 

That's right, that's capital ! Go it boys, go it ! 

Eric, (Disengaging himself from his mother.) 

What, Jan returned already ! Have you left my father 
. at Michelson's ? 



Scene V.J SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 67 

Jan. 

Michelson's ! We've had better luck than that. 

Martha. 

But your Master is safe ? 

Jan, (With an air of triumph.) 
Safe ! By the Lord they arrested him. 

Martha. 
Arrested him ! 

Jan. 

Don't be frightened, Mistress. I told you how it would 
happen, and it's going on famously. 

Eric, (Angry.) • 

Explain yourself, at once, instantly ' 

Jan. 

Oh, you shall know all, — give me time. Master and I 
were going up the main street, and had nearly reached the 
barrier, when we met two soldiers of the garrison. They 
looked at us closely, as they passed, then turned, followed, 
and shortly overtook and stopped us. They both took off 
their hats and bowed to your father, and one of them said, 
" Mynherr Burckenstaff, his Excellency, the Count Struen- 
see, desires to speak with you, and if you please, we will 
conduct you to him. 



Eric 



What next ? 



Jan. 

Whv,the fellow was so smooth and civil, that Master was 



63 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

taken in, and said, "certainly, Gentlemen, I shall go with 
you at once ;" but the wool was not over my eyes ; I saw 
how it was, and I burst out, (you know my voice, it could 
be heard a mile,) " Help, citizens, help ! Reinhart Burck- 
enstaff is arrested — the soldiers are among us ! Help, citi- 
zens, help !" 

Eric. 
Were you mad ? 

Jan. 

Mad ! not I. I knew, well enough, what I was about. 
I saw, not far off, a number of labourers, returning, in a 
body, to their work ; some of them I knew, and they knew 
me, and when they heard my voice, they turned, every man 
of them, and shouting, " Down with the red coats," rushed 
towards us. Then, the uproar began ; women screamed, 
dogs barked, boys hurraed, carriages were stopped, shops 
were shut, the bells began to ring, and, in a few moments, 
the streets were thronged. In the mean time the workmen 
reached us — in an instant put the soldiers to flight, and 
delivered your father ; and then they carried us oflf in tri- 
umph, the crowd increasing, as we moved, and the tumult 
growing louder and louder ; but, when we reached your 
father's factories, you should have been there ! the men had 
heard that Master was arrested, and that we'd had a fight 
with the soldiers, and they had armed themselves, some with 
muskets, some with clubs, and with cries of vengeance, out 
they rushed, seven or eight hundred of them at once ! 

Eric 

Fatal rashness ! — the w r orst suspicions of the Ministers 
will now seem to be confirmed. 

Martha. 

And his life, his life, will be in danger 



Scene V.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 69 

Jan. 

Danger, Mistress ! there's none, none at all. The alarm 
has now spread through the whole city — all Copenhagen is 
in arms ; the people, thousands upon thousands, are march- 
ing to the King's Palace, to surround it, and to demand that 
Master shall be released ; the Ministers will soon take back 
the order for his arrest, and, I warrant you, they'll never 
trouble him again. 

Eric. 

But none are injured ; I trust no outrage is committed? 

Jan. 

Outrage ? Oh, no ! a trifle or so — nothing to signify. 
They have broken all the windows in the houses of the 
Ministers, and when any of the Nobility or Gentry, as they 
are called, are seen in the street, why, the stones are apt 
to fly, and people get out of the way as well as they can ; 
and then, it is not very safe to ride in a carriage, for they 
knock down the horses and overturn all they meet. By 
the Lord ! there is one now at our door, and the boys are 
round it too. 

Eric. 

Heavens ! the arms of Count Falkenshield. (He rushes 
out.) 

Martha. 

My son, you risk your life, return. 

Jan. 

No fear, Mistress — they know he's Master's son — they'll 
not touch a hair of his head. (Looks out.) The crowd are 
making way for him already — they have left the horses — 
he has reached the carriage. 




70 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

Martha. 

If he is safe I shall no longer remain. I must and will 
seek my husband. 

Jan. 

Why Mistress ! (He tries to detain her — she breaks from 
him and goes out.) By the Lord, she's off. (Goes to the 
door and cries!) Master Eric, Master Eric ! — he don't see 
her — he don't hear me. (Continues to look.) Why, what 
is he about now? a young lady, handsome, elegantly 
dressed ; he helps her from the carriage, — he has taken her 
in his arms ; they've frightened the poor girl, she has 
fainted away. 

Eric, (Enters with Christina in his arms : He lays her 

down in a chair.) 

Help, immediately, mother. 

Jan. 

She is not here. She has gone in search of Master. 

Eric, (With eyes on Christina.) 

She revives. (To Jan, who is also looking.) Why are 
you here ? Go ! leave me. 

Jan. 

With all my heart, say I. Now for the Palace ! [Exit. 



SCENE SIXTH. 

Christina and Eric 

Christina. 

Do I breathe again ? Are thev gone ? Am I saved from 
their fury ? Where, where am I now ? (Looking around.) 



■•$ 



Scene VI/| SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 71 

Eric. 

Fear nothing. You are in safety. 

Christina. 

Ah! (Agitated.) Whose voice? (Turning.) Eric, can 
it be — is it you ? 

Eric 

I, who, beyond my hopes, once more behold you. I, 
whom this day has made the happiest of men ; for I have 
rescued you from danger, and given you an asylum here. 

Christina. 
But where am I ? 

Eric 

Not in the Palace of Count Falkenshield ; in a much hum- 
bler place, the counting-house of my father. My mother 
will soon be here to render you her aid, if indeed you will 
accept any further aid from us — merchants, traders, ple- 
beians, as we are. 

Christina. 

Such language to me ! to me, who have long known and 
felt that you have claims — (Blushes and stops.) At any 
rate, you have saved my life this day, and may be assured 
of the gratitude of my father. Why you left us, I know 
not, but surely you will now return. 

Eric 

Never ! never ! never shall my lips again be chained. 
Never again will I submit to the restraint that was so long 
my torment. Whilst I liv,ed in your father's family and 
possessed his confidence, it would have been dishonourable 
to have spoken ; but now 




72 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

si 

Christina. 
Eric, in the name of Heaven (Rising.) 

Eric. 

At the risk of your anger or disdain, nay, were instant 
death to follow, I must now speak. You shall know the 
feelings you have inspired and the sufferings that I endure — 
my love, my grief, and my despair. 

Christina. 

Do you think that your feelings, your sufferings are un- 
known to me ? 

Eric, (With joy.) 
Christina ! Christina ! 

Christina. 

Nay, hear, and do not mistake me. I have not been in- 
sensible to the generosity of your conduct. I have not 
been indifferent nor ungrateful. But mark me ! for the first 
time you have broken your generous silence, and it must 
be the last. I am the destined wife of another ; it is my 
father's will, and to obey is my duty. 

Eric. 
Duty! 

Christina. 

Yes, I repeat it, and it is essential to my peace that you 
should believe me. My rank and station have created dis- 
tinctions that I might wish to forget, but must not : they 
exist, and have imposed on me duties which I feel to be 
sacred, and which (mournfully, but firmly,) have separated 
us for ever. 



S( BMB MI. | SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 7,J 

Eric, (Covering his face with his hands.) 
Oh! 

Christina, (Regarding him with emotion.) 

And you, Eric — you also must learn to control and subdue 
your feelings ; you must not give way to a weak and un- 
manly despair. The honour that you should value, consists 
not in artificial rank, but in the noble use of your high facul- 
ties — in the strenuous discharge of your paramount duties. 
I speak not merely of your duties to your family and friends, 
but of the claims that your talents and attainments have 
given to society and your country. These must be fulfilled. 
That they may be, has long been — will continue to be, my 
earnest prayer. Farewell ! we must now part. You will 
remember, Eric, what I have said : the last words you will 
probably hear from my lips. To-morrow, I shall be the 
wife of De Goehler. 

Eric, (Impetuously.) 
Never ! whilst I live, never ! 

SCENE SEVENTH. 

Eric, Christina, Martha and Rantzau. 

Martha, (Speaking to Rantzau, as they enter.) 

If you wish to see my son, he is here. (To Eric.) I 
can learn nothing of your father. 

Rantzau, (Bowing with surprise.) 
Mademoiselle Falkenshield ! 

Eric, (In a hurried manner.) 

Her carriage was stopped by the mob ; it was my good 
fortune to rescue her, and afford her protection here. 

10 




74 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

Rantzau, (Smiling.) 
Are you apologizing for an act that does you honour ? 

Eric, (Embarrassed.) 
Apologizing, Count Rantzau? 

Martha, (Aside.) 
Count ! It's all over with us, if Counts begin to visit us. 

Rantzau, (Looking at Christina and Eric, who seem 
embarrassed, and cast down their eyes.) 

This looks well, very well : A young lady in distress, a 
cavalier* who rescues her ; there are very good romances 
that begin in that way. 

Eric, (Trying to turn the conversation.) 

But, my lord, are you not rash in coming abroad — in 
walking the streets at this time ? 

Rantzau. 

Why so ? Carriages have had their day. To walk is 
the fashion with the powers who now rule. I have but a 
word to say. I promised to bring with me your commis- 
sion, and have now the pleasure to deliver it. (Giving him 
a paper.) 

Eric. 

It is so — a lieutenancy — and now — (Stops.) 

Martha, (Aside.) 

They will break my heart. No wonder I disliked his 
looks. (Looking at Rantzau.) 

Rantzau, (to Martha.) 

I must not leave you, Madam, without congratulating 
you on the distinctions you now enjoy. 



Scene VII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 75 

Martha. 
Me — distinctions? I have none, I want none. 

Rantzau. 

You are ignorant, then, of what is passing. You are 
not aware that your husband has become the idol of the 
people, and, in fact, their ruler. They march with banners 
inscribed with his name, and BurckenstafFis now the rally- 
ing cry to Copenhagen. 

Martha, (Aside.) 
Ah ! wretched man ! He is mad for the rest of his life. 

Rantzau. 

Thousands of his partisans, their numbers perpetually 
swelling, are surrounding the Palace, and shouting, " down 
" with Struensee," and many of them, " down with the Min- 
" isters, down with the Regency." If they persist, our reign 
will soon be over. 

Eric. 

And still, my lord, you have no fears ? 

Rantzau. 

Personal, you mean ? None whatever. I walk incog- 
nito, and seem, as I am, a mere amateur. Besides, in case 
of danger, I should rely on your protection. 

Eric 
It should be given, my lord, even at the hazard of my life. 

Rantzau. 
I know it would be. 

Martha. (Shouting heard without.) 
The tumult increases, the shouts are louder than ever. 






vN 



76 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 

Things are, certainly, in an excellent train ; if they con- 
tinue so, it will be needless to interfere. 

SCENE EIGHTH. 

Martha, Eric, Rantzau, Christina and Jan. 

Jan, (As he enters.) 
Victory ! victory ! the day is our own ! 

All. 

Speak, speak. 

Jan. 

I will ; let me get my breath. We were, all of us, eight 
or ten thousand, or so, in the Grand Square, in the front 
of the Palace, shouting with all our lungs, " Burcken- 
" staff for ever — recall the arrest — revoke the order," when 
suddenly the Queen, and Count Struensee at her side, 
appeared in the balcony. He is a magnificent looking fel- 
low, that's the truth, and such a voice I never heard. He 
waved his hand and demanded silence, and in a moment 
all was still. " My friends," he said, " we have been de- 
«* ceived by false reports. The order for the arrest of Myn- 
" heer Burckenstaff is revoked, and he may now return in 
"safety to his home. I pledge to you the faith of the Queen 
"and my own, that he shall not be molested again." 

Martha. 
Thank Heaven, he is saved ! 

Jan. 

When he had finished, you should have heard how the 



i 



Scene V1II.J SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 77 

people applauded. The cries then were, "long live the 
Queen — long live Count Struensee ;" and when the Queen 
and the Count had bowed and retired, then the shouts of 
" BurckenstafF for ever," burst out afresh. I, too, had my 
share ; I told some who were near me, who I was, that I 
was Master's apprentice, and that I was with him when he 
was arrested : by the Lord, they raised me on their 
shoulders to show me to the people, and then the cry was, 
" Jan, Jan Furst, for ever." 

Eric, (Smiling.) 
Well, well, Jan Furst, go on. 

Jan. 

Oh ! my affair did not last long ; but, as to Master, his 
day is not over yet, for before the people left the Square, 
some of the chief men held a consultation, as they called it, 
and it was agreed that we should all be divided into bands, 
every man, according to his trade : that each band should 
choose its leaders and colours, and then, that all should 
join and march in procession, with banners and music, 
and carry Master in triumph to the City Hall, where the 
Mayor, Von-Clarksen, is to make him a speech. 

Martha, (Aside.) 
Ah ! I see it, his doom is fixed — the lunatic asylum ! 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 

This result does not please me ; it deranges my calcula- 
tions ; but we shall see — there's fuel left, the fire may be 
rekindled. 



78 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 



SCENE NINTH. 

The same. Burckenstaff enters, surrounded by Delegates 
of the People, Members of the Corporation, etc. Many 
papers are put in his hands, as he comes forward. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Yes, my friends, your petitions and remonstrances shall 
be presented to the Queen and the Prime Minister. I will 
deliver them, in person, and support them by my voice. 
You shall be righted. We will have justice, my friends — 
justice for Copenhagen, justice for Denmark. As to this 
procession, this triumph, as you are pleased to call it — it is 
to you, gentlemen delegates, that I now speak — listening to 
my modesty, I am compelled to decline it 

Martha. 

Decline ! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

But, looking to the public good, and the effect of the ex- 
ample, I sacrifice my own feelings and accept it. I shall 
remain here, to take my place in the procession when it 
arrives ; and when the ceremonies of the day are over, I 
invite you all — all, gentlemen ! to return to my house, where 
a supper, such as our means afford, will await you. 

People, (As they withdraw.) 
Burckenstaff for ever ! Our chief, our leader ! 

BURCKENSTAFF, (To ERIC.) 

You hear, my son, their leader ! their chief! You must 
be sensible of the honour to our house. (To Martha.) 
You see, wife, I have some influence, some power now : 
I may now 



seIX.| SCHOOL FOR POUTICIAiN 79 

Martha. 

You will kill yourself; you must be tired to death. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Tired ! talk of fatigue on a day so glorious as this — (Per- 
ceiving Rantzau and Christina.) Ah ! Count Rantzau, and 
you, Mademoiselle Falkenshield, (bowing, with dignity,) we 
are greatly honoured by your presence. Do you wish me, 
my lord, for any purpose, to use my influence in your be- 
half? Is there any service that I can render you 1 Speak 
your wishes, I entreat you, my lord 

Rantzau. 

I will. I want velvet for a cloak, black velvet, about 
fifteen yards, I think. 

Burckenstaff, (Confused.) 

Oh, my lord, matters of trade to-day — You must be 
sensible, my lord — had it been any thing else — but my wife 
will attend to your lordship. Madam Burckenstaff, you 
will see that Count Rantzau is properly served. 

Rantzau, (To Martha, giving her a paper.) 
This is my memorandum. 

Burckenstaff, (To his wife, who is already on the stairs.) 

And remember, wife, the arrangements for the supper. 
It must be ample, such as our new position demands. You 
must give us the best wines : those from the private cellar. 

Martha. 

Can I attend to every thing ? I will not. The wines are 
your province. 




80 * SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 



BURCKENSTAFF. 

Well, well, don't be angry. I will see to the wines. 
(Martha goes up stairs.) 

Burckenstaff, (Comes forward, and bows to Christina.) 

It has grieved me to learn, Mademoiselle Falkenshield, 
that you have not been treated with all the respect to which 
you are entitled ; that you have been exposed to inconve- 
nience, and even to danger. Had I been here, be assured, 
this could not have happened ; but to be in all places, where 
my presence was required, at the same time, was impossi- 
ble. As it is, I shall inquire into the affair, and those who 
have committed the offence shall know my displeasure. 
I am particularly desirous 

Rantzau. 

That the young lady, as soon as possible, shall be con- 
ducted in safety to her father's house. 

Burckenstaff. 

True, my lord : I thank you for reminding me that the 
proper arrangements must be made. Here, Jan, you will 
see that the carriage of Mademoiselle Falkenshield is at 
once restored, and made ready for her departure. Let it 
be known that such are my orders. As to providing an 
escort 

Eric 

You need not trouble yourself, Sir, I will escort Made- 
moiselle. 

Burckenstaff. 

Very right, very right, my son, it is showing the proper 
respect ; and should you meet with any difficulties on the 
way, you have only to let it be known that you are the son 
of 



Scene X.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 81 



Jan. 

enough, we all 

[Exit Jan. 



Reinhart BurckenstafF! that's enough, we all know that. 



Rantzau. 

Adieu, Mademoiselle. Adieu, my young friend. 

[Exeunt Christina and Eric. 



SCENE TENTH. 

Burckenstaff and Rantzau. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

I grieve, my lord, that you are compelled to wait. 

Rantzau. 

And I rejoice. I shall enjoy a few minutes more of your 
conversation ; it has been my habit, through life, to seek 
the society of distinguished and celebrated men. 

Burckenstaff. 

Oh ! my lord, celebrated ! Yet, it must be owned, 
strange things have happened. This morning I was, that 
is comparatively speaking, an obscure man, and now, I 
seem to be. as your lordship intimates, celebrated, famous ! 
and all within a few hours. 

Rantzau. 

It is not unusual. The favour of the people is often sud- 
denly acquired, (aside,) and as suddenly lost. (Aloud.) My 
only regret is that the affair seems to be over. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Over, my lord, not so. We are still to have the trium- 

11 




82 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

phal procession ; and — pardon me, I must retire and dress 
myself to receive it. Should the people be kept waiting, 
they will become impatient, and may take it into their heads 
that I am arrested again. 

Rantzau. 

And then we shall have a fresh disturbance — another out- 
break. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Undoubtedly. The people's attachment to me passes all 
bounds. They will be furious ! Struensee would find it a 
difficult matter to quiet them a second time. 

Rantzau. 

Ah ! probably. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

But to return my lord, since you seem to take so much 
interest in my concerns, let me remind you that a supper 
will follow the procession — a supper, in my house. All the 
leading men, the men of influence in the city, will be here. 
We shall have speeches and toasts. My name will be 
given, with all the honours, as the chief, the leader of the 
people. All this will not soon be forgotten. My popularity, 
I flatter myself, will last. 

Rantzau. 

I confess I had forgotten the supper, and especially the 
toasts ; but to drink toasts, you must have wine, and I think 
you promised your wife 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

True, my lord, it had escaped me. I must choose the 
wines at once. (Goes to the door under the stairs.) This 
is my secret cellar, where all my best wines are kept. I 
trust the key only to my wife and myself. 



SCXM XL] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIAN 83 



Rantzau. 

You are prudent. I had supposed your money and 
bonds were kept there. 

BuRCXENSTAFF. 

No. Yet they might be, with perfect safety ; the walls 
are nearly a foot thick, and this door, you see, is cased with 
iron, and there is an inner door just like it. (About to enter.) 
You will excuse me, my lord. 

Rantzau. 

Certainly ; you have not a moment to spare. I shall go 
up stairs. (Burckenstaff enters the cellar, Rantzau stops 
a few seconds, then follows — locks first the inner, then the 
outer door, and then comes forward with the key in his hand.) 
This good man is a real treasure ! and a treasure is never 
so safe as under lock and key. (Puts the key in his pocket, 
and goes up stairs.) 



SCENE ELEVENTH. 

Jan, (At the door on the street.) 

Here they are ! here they are ! colours flying, drums 
beating, music playing — it's glorious, by Jove ! (Music — a 
march. The head of the procession appears with banners 
in the street. They range themselves in front of the house.) 
Where is Master now ? (Looks about.) He must be up 
stairs. (Goes to the foot of the stairs and cries,) Master, 
Master, the procession ! They are waiting for you, Master ! 
Come down, Master, come down ! 

Martha, (Appears at the head of the stairs — two Boys 
aside of her, who descend.) 

Oh ! that eternal throat ! What are you screaming for ? 




84 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

Jan. 

The procession ! Tell Master it is here ; they are waiting. 

Martha. 
He is not here ; he is below. 

Jan. 

No, no, he is up stairs. 

Martha. 
He is not — he has not been here. 

People, (Without.) 
Burckenstaff for ever! 

Jan. 

Oh ! Mistress, let them search for him above, and the 
boys shall look for him here. Go you this way, you that. 
(The Boys go out at different ways. Martha retires from 
the stairs.) 

Jan, (Restless.) 

By the Lord ! this is too much. I can't stand it much 
longer. 

People, (Without.) 
Burckenstaff! Burckenstaff! show yourself ! come forth ! 

Jan, (Goes to the door.) 

He is coming — be quiet ; he will be with you directly. 
(As he returns f one Boy enters from the right, another from 
the left.) 

First Boy. 
I cannot find him. 






Scene XL] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 85 

Second Boy. 
Nor I. (A Boy descends the stairs, Martha follows him.) 

Third Boy. 

We have searched every room and closet above. He is 
not in the house. 

People, (Without.) 
Burckenstaff ! come, come ! 

Jan. 

I am in a fever. I shall run mad. Master is ruined 
for ever. 

Martha. 

Can it be possible that they have arrested him again ? 

Jan. 

Possible! Mistress, possible? It is so — it must be so! 
(Rushes to the door, and cries,) Stop that music ! Stop that 
music ! 

Martha. 

What is he about now ? 

Jan. 

We are betrayed, citizens ! Cheated ! cheated ! Their 
fine words were all a lie. They have taken Master again ; 
they have carried him off. Help, citizens ! friends of Burck- 
enstaff, help ! 

People, (Rushing in from the street, and breaking the win- 
dows as they enter.) 

Burckenstaff for ever ! We are his friends. 




86 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act II. 

Martha. 

Friends, indeed ! 

Jan. 

Oh ! Mistress, what's a few panes ? it's all their love for 
Master. And now, boys, are you ready? I say huzza! 
for the Palace ! 

People. 

The Palace ! the Palace ! 

People, (Without.) 
The Palace ! the Palace ! 

Rantzau, (At the head of the stairs.) 

There seems to be some disturbance here. Ah ! this 
looks well. Matters, I think, will now be settled. 

People, (Without, waving their banners, and beginning 

to march.) 

Down with Struensee ! Burckenstaff for ever ! To the 
Palace ! To the Palace ! (Jan and crowd rush out, Mar- 
tha falls back in a chair, Rantzau descends, smiling and 
rubbing his hands.) [Curtain falls. 



END OF ACT II. 



.-* 



Scene L] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 87 



ACT III. 

SCENE FIRST. 

An apartment in the Palace of Count Falkenshield. A 
door in the rear, and on each side. A table with books, 
writing materials, chairs, fyc. 

Christina and Baron De Goehler, (Entering from a 

door, on the left.) 

Christina. 

Something extraordinary, believe me, Baron, must have 
occurred. 

De Goehler. 
Nothing, I assure you. 

Christina. 

Why, then, is Count Struensee closeted with my father? 
Why have they sent, in such haste, for Count Rantzau ? 
Why a second meeting of the Council on the same day ? 

De Goehler. 

There can be nothing serious — nothing of the least im- 
portance, or my presence would be required. As their 
Secretary, I have a right to be present at all meetings of the 
Council. 

Christina. 
You are appointed, then ? 

De Goehler. 

This morning ; nominated by your father — approved by 




88 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

the Council — confirmed by the Queen. I have just returned 
from my audience of the Queen ; she, and the ladies with 
her, I found, were by no means recovered from their terrors 
of this morning. They still feared that the arrangements 
for the ball might be broken up, and you may conceive their 
distress ! I took pains to quiet their alarm. I said several 
things that were happy and well-timed, and the Queen was 
pleased, exceedingly pleased. She smiled, and in the end, 
forgetting her fears entirely, actually laughed. 

Christina. 

The Queen actually laughed ! 

De Goehler. 

She then congratulated me, most kindly, on my appoint- 
ment, and on our approaching marriage. In truth, her whole 
manner towards me was such, that, were I at all given to 
vanity, I might indulge hopes, that it would not be discreet 
to mention. It is to her favour that Struensee owes his 
fortunes, and perhaps But I must say no more. 

Christina. 
I admire your discretion. 

De Goehler. 

My career as a Statesman is now commenced, and from 
this time my serious thoughts shall be given to the affairs of 
the Nation. You hardly suspect it, but I have, in truth, a 
great taste, and a remarkable turn for public business. 

Christina, (Smiling.) 
You are right. I did not suspect it. 

De Goehler. 

I thought so : People are deceived by my fondness for 
amusement and pleasure. They are not aware, that in men 



Scenk I.J SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 89 

of genius, the love of pleasure and talents for business are 
often united ; but they will see, when I am placed in the 
Ministry ■ 

Christina. 
In the Ministry ! 

De Goehler. 

Yes, Mademoiselle, and the event — I mention it to you in 
confidence — will shortly happen. The Queen and Struensee, 
and your father, are all tired of this old, worn out, Rantzau ; 
he is become quite useless, and they have agreed, that as 
soon as they can find a decent pretext to get rid of him, I 
shall succeed him. 

Christina, (With great surprise.) 
You ! the successor of Count Rantzau ! 

De Goehler. 

It is so determined ; and the consequences are plain 
enough : Your father and myself, united, as w r e shall be, 
will have the whole management of affairs, and the differ- 
ence, I flatter myself, will soon be visible. This morning, 
for example, it was amusing to see them ; they were con- 
fused, perplexed, not knowing what to think or how to act. 
I smiled, I could not help smiling, for I felt that had I been 
a Minister, I could in a few minutes 

Christina. 

Silence ! There is a fresh disturbance. I hear the dis- 
tant cries of a mob. 

De Goehler, (Alarmed.) 

It cannot be. You must be mistaken. 

12 



90 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

Christina. 



Perhaps so. 



De Goehler. 



Oh ! you certainly are. It is only some of the canaille 
quarrelling, perhaps righting, in the streets — a pleasure in 
which I am quite willing to indulge them. There are matters 
of more importance that claim our attention ; the ball of 
to-morrow evening, your nuptial presents, and our marriage, 
a topic, on which, I believe, we have not yet conversed. 

Christina. 
I believe not, nor perhaps is it necessary that we should. 

De Goehler. 

Your corbeille, I intend, shall be splendid, very splendid ; 
but, alas ! it is not yet complete. The only evil that I see 
in these popular commotions, is, that they derange every- 
thing ; they prevent our tradespeople from fulfilling our 
orders, so that nothing is now ready at the appointed time. 

Christina. 

Is that the only evil that you see ? Had you been as I 
was, this morning, in the midst of the tumult, surrounded 
by a furious mob 

De Goehler. 
You, Mademoiselle ! is it possible ? 

Christina. 

I owe my preservation, solely, to the generosity and cou- 
rage of young Eric Burckenstaff, who rescued me from the 
crowd, and conducted me home in safety. 

De Goehler. 

Eric Burckenstaff ! What right had he to interfere ? 



ne L] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 91 

Who authorized him to be your protector? It was offi- 
cious, it was impertinent. 

Christina. 
To save my life, do you mean ? 

De Goehler. 

Not that, not that; but still his presumption must be 
checked — I must chastise him. 

Joseph, {Enters.) 
A letter for the Baron De Goehler. 

De Goehler. 

For me — from whom ? 

Joseph. 

It was given to me by a young officer, who is now wait- 
ing in the outer court. 

De Goehler. 

With your permission, Mademoiselle. (Christina retires. 
He opens the letter, and reads) — " Sir: 1 have now the 
" honour to bear a commission in his Majesty's service, and 
" you have no longer a pretext for withholding the satisfac- 
" tion that you once refused. Although you gave the insult, 
" I leave to you the choice of weapons. I have brought 
" with me both swords and pistols, and expect your instant 
" reply. Eric Burckenstaff, Lieutenant Gth Infantry" 
This is provoking — insufferable ! Just as I have been ap- 
pointed Secretary — just as I am about to be married. His 
intentions, too, are serious, very serious — bloody. He seeks 
my life ; lie ought to be punished. 

Joseph. 
The gentleman, Sir, desired me to bring your answer. 




92 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act Iff. 

De Goehler. 

Answer ! Oh ! I cannot write an answer — I will not — tell 
him (Stopping.) 

Joseph. 
What, Sir ? 

De Goehler. 

Tell him — to go away. I cannot see him now, — hereafter, 
not to-day though, nor to-morrow — perhaps — I'll consider — 
tell him so. [Exit Joseph. 

Christina, (Approaches.) 
You seem to be agitated — very much so. 

De Goehler. 
Not at all, not at all — I feel very well. 

Christina. 

The contents of your letter must be alarming — I am sure 
of it. Pray let me read it. 

De Goehler. 

Not for the world — not for the world. (Puts up the let- 
ter, hastily.) 

Christina. 

Ah ! here is Colonel Koller; he will relieve my anxiety. 
(Enter Roller.) 



Scene II.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 93 

SCENE SECOND. 
De Goehler, Christina and Roller. 

Christina. 

Pray, Colonel, what has happened ? 

Roller. 

The people have risen again, and the revolt is more 
alarming than that of the morning. 

Christina. 
'Tis what I feared ! And what has occasioned it ? 

Roller. 

The bad faith of the Count is the cause or the pretext. 
It is said that the Ministers, in violation of their promise, 
have caused Reinhart Burckenstaff to be secretly arrested 
and imprisoned. 

De Goehler. 

Impossible ! they cannot have committed such a blunder. 

Christina. 

I fear they have. (Christina andDB Goehler go to the 
window, open it and look out. Roller comes forward.) 

Roller. 

I have seized the occasion to send my emissaries, Cosvelt 
and Herman, among the people, to stimulate their rage and 
give it the proper direction. The Queen-Mother, I trust, 
will soon be satisfied, and we shall yet succeed, without the 
aid of that hateful Rantzau. 

Christina, (At the window.) 
The violence of the mob is terrible, and their numbers 




94 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III, 

increase every moment. They have surrounded the Royal 
Palace ; the guards have fled, and they are trying to force 
their entrance. The sight is appalling. (Closes the vjindow.) 

De Goehler, (Alarmed.) 

Such proceedings are unexampled ! and you, Colonel, 
you remain here ! 

KOLLER. 

It is my duty to remain. I have been sent for by the 
Council, and wait their orders. 

De Goehler. 

And why are they not given ? They should be more ex- 
peditious. The Queen and all her ladies will be frightened, 
very much frightened ; I know they will be ; and yet 
nothing is thought of — no measures taken. 

Christina. 

What should be done ? 

De Goehler. 

Oh ! there are measures — there must be measures — cer- 
tainly there are measures that ought to be taken. 

Christina. 

State what they are. 

De Goehler. 

I will, Mademoiselle, 1 will — but you put the question so 
suddenly, you confuse me. 

Christina. 
I thought I understood you, just now, to say 

De Goehler. 
If I were a Minister, I said — but I am not a Minister. I 



Scene III.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 95 



Sce 

am not yet appointed. It would be improper, it would be 
indelicate in me to give any opinion now. 

: 



Christina. 
And even to have one ? 

De Goehler. 



Yes. I have no right to think on the subject at present. 
Those at the head of affairs should think and act too. It is 
amazing to me that they do not. They must be frightened — 
they must have lost their self-possession. The Queen 
should be informed (Count Rantzau enters.) 



SCENE THIRD. 
De Goehler, Christina, Roller and Rantzau. 

De Goehler. 

Oh ! Count Rantzau, I rejoice to see you. You will 
assist me to quiet the fears of Mademoiselle Falkenshield. 
She is agitated, terrified. 

Rantzau. 

And you seem to share all her feelings — the sympathy of 
a lover doubtless ! I must not say, Baron, that you are 
terrified, you are only deeply in love. Ah ! you have 
arrived, Colonel. (To Roller.) 

Roller. 

To receive the orders of the Council. 

De Goehler. 

And what, my lord, are their orders ? What have you 
decided ? 



96 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIAiNS. [Act III. 



Rantzau. 

We have decided nothing. We have deliberated, and 
we have talked. Struensee advised an accommodation, 
an amicable arrangement with the people. 

De Goehler. 

He was right, very right. No cause for their discontent 
ought to have been given. 

Rantzau. 

Count Falkenshield, who is always for strong measures, 
thought that other means should be employed. A free use 
of the artillery was his advice. 

De Goehler. 

Oh ! that would settle the business very soon. A few 
discharges would be enough. Why is it not done ? 

Rantzau. 

The opinion that I gave, was, at first, rejected by all. In 
the end, it seems to have prevailed. 

Christina, (Anxiously.) 
And what, my lord, was your advice ? 

Rantzau. 

To do nothing — the exact course that we are pursuing. 

De Goehler. 

I am by no means certain that it is not the true course. 
For, after all, when the people have shouted and clamoured 
for a time 

Rantzau. 

They will be tired, and leave off. 



Scknk III. | SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 91 

De Goeiiler. 
Just what I meant to say. 

KOLLER. 

They will act as they did in the morning. 

Rantzau, (Seating himself,) 
No doubt of it, no doubt of it whatever. 

De Goehler. 

You both agree with me, then? We must be right. 
They may break a few windows, perhaps. 

Rantzau. 

They have already broken not a few, but all in the houses 
of the Ministers. Those in your own, Baron, have shared 
the same fate : by anticipation, perhaps. 

Christina, (From the window.) 

The people have become more quiet. They seem about 
to disperse. 

De Goehler, (With a slight laugh.) 

Ha, Ha, I was sure it would be so. How weak it is to 
be alarmed on these occasions ! A mob is always con- 
temptible. But, my lord, (To Rantzau,) you omitted to 
state the opinion that was given by my uncle, the Minister 
of the Navy. 

Rantzau. 

He gave none. We had not the pleasure to see him. 
His slight indisposition, since these troubles have com- 
menced, has become quite serious. His heart is doubtless 
with us ; but there is a strange sympathy between his body 
and the disaffected. The shouts of a mob, I have observed, 

13 



98 SCHOOL FOE POLITICIANS. [Act 111. 

invariably send him to his bed, and, until the rogues dis- 
perse, he never leaves it. 

De Goehler, (Vexed.) 

And the shouts of a mob, my lord, seem to give you 
pleasure. You are in excellent health — in admirable 
health ! 

Rantzau. 

Not much to your satisfaction, I fear, judging from your 
tone. There are persons, I have heard, to whom my good 
health gives serious offence ; persons, who would rejoice to 
hear that I was not merely ill, but dying, 

De Goehler. 

And who are they, my lord ? who are they ? 

Rantzau. 

Those who wish to be my heirs — who wish to succeed, 
you understand me, to my possessions. 

De Goehler, (Very angry.) 

And you, my lord, will understand me ; there are persons 
who may succeed to your possessions before you die. 

Rantzau, (Coolly.) 

Ah ! Is it so ? You have studied the law, Baron, it 
is your profession ; pray, do you happen to recollect the 
302d Article of the Danish Code ? 

De Goehler. 
The 302d ? Hum ! not exactly. 

Rantzau. 
I thought it had escaped you. It declares, that to make 



Scene III.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 99 

a succession, it is not enough that the possession be vacant ; 
there must be a person competent to succeed. 

De Goehler. 
And what then ? What follows ? 

Rantzau. 

That the law must be repealed, or you will not be my 
successor. 

De Goehler. 

My lord ! you take too high a tone, my lord ! 

Rantzau. 

Your pardon ; not for the world would I offend you. You 
go to the ball, the Queen's ball, to-morrow night ? 

De Goehler. 
Certainly, I go to the ball. 

Rantzau. 

And you dance with the Queen, as a matter of course. 
There are to be new quadrilles, I hear, — pray did you com- 
pose them ? 

De Goehler. 

You are laughing at me, I see you are : I do not under- 
stand it. 

Rantzau. 

Oh ! — if you are angry, I explain — you said my tone was 
too high : I lower it (bowing,) to your tastes and your 
capacity. 

De Goehler. 

My capacity, let me tell you, Count Rantzau 






100 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

Christina, {From the window.) 
Silence ! I was mistaken, the tumult rages again. 

De Goehler. 
I do believe it never will end. It is alarming now. 

Christina. 

Ah ! we are lost. My father ! (Enter Falkenshield.) 

SCENE FOURTH. 

De Goehler, Christina, Roller, Rantzau and Falk- 
enshield. 

Falkenshield. 

Be tranquil, my daughter, the danger is over; there is 
nothing to alarm you in the cries that you now hear. 

De Goehler. 
I knew that I was right. I knew that it could not last. 

Christina. 
Is it possible, Sir ? Has the insurrection ceased? 

Falkenshield. 

Not entirely ; but so far that it is no longer of the least 
importance, and will soon be at an end. 

Roller, (Aside.) 
If my agency is discovered, my life is gone. 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 

A second abortion, more vexatious than the first; but still, 
means, means exist. 



ScwtlV.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 101 



De Goehler. 

And how, my lord, (To Falkenshield,) did you manage 
to quiet and disperse this troublesome populace ? 

Falkenshield. 

Not without difficulty. It was in vain, for some time, that 
we assured them that we had had no agency in the disappear- 
ance of Burckenstaff, but that his own modesty had led him 
to withdraw himself from the triumph that he knew the 
people were preparing for him. 

Rantzau. 

And which they all knew he earnestly desired! You 
must have found it difficult, indeed, to make them believe 
you. 

Falkenshield. 

Probably we should not have succeeded, but for the for- 
tunate arrival of a Regiment of Infantry, which, on its way 
to its new garrison, marched through the streets of Copen- 
hagen, with drums beating and colours flying. A sight so 
sudden and unexpected worked a salutary change in the 
dispositions of the multitude — they began to listen to reason ; 
and on our reiterated assurances that every effort would be 
made to discover Burckenstaff and restore him to his family, 
they agreed to disperse and retire to their homes ; all, ex- 
cept a few, who seemed bent on mischief, and were busy 
in their efforts to continue the revolt. 

Koller, (Aside.) 
My emissaries ! 

Falkenshield. 

Two of these incendiaries we were fortunate enough to 
seize. 




102 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

Roller, (Aside.) 
Heavens ! 

Falkenshield. 
And as these disturbances must now cease 



De Goehler. 

My own opinion, exactly. 

Falkenshield. 

And the recurrence of similar scenes be prevented, we 
have determined to act with severity and rigour. 

Rantzau. 

In the punishment, you mean, of those who are seized. 
Who are they ? 

Falkenshield. 
Low, obscure men ; almost unknown. 

Roller. 
But their names, are they unknown ? 

Falkenshield. 
Their names are Herman and Cosvelt. 

Roller, (Aside.) 
Dolts ! Idiots ! There is but one course to save my life. 

Falkenshield. 

It is plain that these men could have had no objects of 
their own. They were mere instruments, agents, working 
for their hire ; and our first effort must be to discover by 
whom they were employed. 



Sown IV.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 103 



Rantzau. 

Agents, they must have been ; but will they name their 
principal ? 

Falkenshield. 

Doubtless, they will. They shall have their choice, par- 
don, if they speak, the halter, if they will not. In examining 
these men, I trust, Count Rantzau, we shall have your 
assistance. Your skill and sagacity will aid us in the dis- 
covery of a plot 

Roller. 

Of which, it is already in my power to give some in- 
formation. 

Rantzau, (Looking at him sternly.) 

In your power ! and why, until now, has your information 
been withheld ? 

Roller. 

It was only this morning that I became certain of the 
facts, and I came here with the intention of communicating 
them to Count Struensee, as soon as the Council should 
rise : but as you, gentlemen, are now here 

Falkenshield. 

You can make the disclosure to us? certainly. You may 
retire, Christina. (To his daughter.) (Exit Christina.) 
(Falkenshield follows her to the door, and rings a hell.) 




104 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

SCENE FIFTH. 
Falkenshield, Rantzau, De Goehler and Koller. 

Falkenshield, (ToDb Goehler, who seemed about to retire.) 

You will remain, Baron ; we shall need your services, as 
our Secretary. 

Rantzau. 

Certainly, Baron, you must remain. Your talents and 
experience will be of eminent use. (Aside, looking at 
Koller.) Our witness seems terribly embarrassed, and 
well he may be. I must watch over him, and guide him 
discreetly. I must aid him to extricate himself, without 
committing the Queen-Mother, or any other friends who 
may hereafter be useful. (During this speech, a servant 
enters, and, directed by Falkenshield, sets out a table, with 
writing materials. Falkenshield and De Goehler seat 
themselves, and afterwards Rantzau. Koller remains 
standing.) 

Falkenshield. 

We are now ready, Colonel, to receive your information. 
Let your narrative be distinct and full. 

Koller. 

Some time has elapsed since I first suspected the exist- 
ence of a plot against the Queen and the Prime Minister ; 
but the circumstances that led to my suspicions were too 
slight to be used as proofs. That I might obtain the 
necessary evidence, I resolved to gain the confidence of 
those, whom I believed to be engaged in the plot. I 
mixed in their society, adopted their language and tone, 
spoke of the wrongs I had myself endured, and avowed my 
desire of revenge, and, at last, went so far as to intimate, 



Scene V.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 105 

that should a favourable opportunity occur, I was not un- 
willing to embark in a conspiracy myself. 

De Goehler. 
You acted, Colonel, with singular address. 

Rantzau. 

Address ! Those who are not scrupulous in the choice 
of words, may certainly call it so, — if they please. 

Roller. 

My scheme, Count Falkenshield, at last proved success- 
ful ; and within these few hours, I have been invited by two 
persons to join a conspiracy, which is to be carried into 
execution this very evening, in your own Palace, and during 
the dinner which you give to your colleagues. 

De Goehler. 
And to which I am invited ! 

Roller. 

The plan of the conspirators is to enter your Palace se- 
cretly, in various disguises, and armed. They will then 
form themselves into a band, at a given signal, rush into 
the saloon where you dine, and there seize the persons, dead 
or alive, of all whom they shall find. 

De Goehler. 

What ! all ! Even those who are not Ministers ! Count 
Rantzau, are you not struck with horror ? 

Rantzau. 

Not quite. I differ from you, Baron — horror is a feeling 
that I rarely indulge. {Looking steadily at Roller, and 
speaking slowly.) It is of the utmost importance, you must 
be sensible, Colonel, that your facts be clearly understood. 

14 






106 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III 

As I understand you, the persons who sought to corrupt 
your loyalty, were total strangers — you had never seen them 
before — and their names are still unknown to you ? 

KOLLER. 

Not so, my lord, their names are Herman and Cosvelt, 
the very men who have been arrested. They will no doubt 
deny the charge, and perhaps, in revenge, accuse me ; but, 
fortunately, I have proofs, written evidence — this list of 
conspirators, taken down from their dictation. (Gives a 
paper to Falkenshield.) 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 
Base, base villain ! This comes of trusting a coward. 

Falkenshield. 

This list is indeed important. Look at it, Count Rantzau. 
(Giving him the list.) What is now your opinion? 

Rantzau. 

That so far there is not a shadow of legal or reasonable 
proof. A list of persons, said to be conspirators, may be 
made out by any one. Of itself, it proves nothing. I shall 
not easily believe in a conspiracy, without leaders and 
without an object. 

Falkenshield. 

To me both are plain. The Queen-Mother is the secret 
head and author of the plot, and her object is to destroy us, 
that she may seize the reins of government into her own 
hands. 

Rantzau, (Gravely.) 

You have not spoken, Count Falkenshield, with your usual 
discretion ; such a charge against the Queen-Mother ought 
not to be lightly advanced, and, at present, there is not an 



ne V.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 107 

iota of evidence to justify even a suspicion. If we prefer 
the charge, and fail to sustain it, we hazard ourselves 
deeply, and for myself, I am not willing to incur the risk. 
Unless, therefore, Colonel Roller has proofs, clear — posi- 
tive ; not rumour, not hearsay, but facts within his own 
knowledge 

Roller. 

I have no such proofs. I neither accuse nor suspect the 
Queen-Mother. 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 
'Tis well — this time the fool has understood me. 

De Goehler. 

There are difficulties, I see — it is really an affair of great 
delicacy. 

Rantzau. 

It is so. (Reads the list.) There are persons of rank 
and condition, whose names are on this list, and others who 
are highly respectable ; to arrest such persons, on the unsup- 
ported charge of wretches, like Cosvelt and Herman, I 
must think, would be an unwise and rash proceeding. 

De Goehler, (Shaking his head.) 

There is, certainly, much weight in what Count Rantzau 
says. 

Rantzau. 

And then there is a legal objection, which I deem insu- 
perable ; a mere intent, is not sufficient to constitute a 
crime, there must be an overt act; the formation of a plot 
is not enough, its execution must be commenced. ] am not 
a lawyer, but our Secretary is, and to him I propose that 
this question be referred. 



108 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 



De Goehler. 
To me ! you propose it ? 

Rantzau. 

In serious affairs, Baron, I never trifle ; and I repeat it, 
I am willing to abide by your judgment. In giving your 
opinion you will, of course, remember, that the responsi- 
bility is your own, and that your reputation is at stake. 

Falkenshield. 

Speak, Baron, I agree that your opinion shall govern us. 

De Goehler. 

Count Rantzau is right, the law is so. It is very unfor- 
tunate, very provoking, but we cannot help it — such is the 
law ! 

Rantzau. 

As I feared. (Aside.) In my law I may sometimes be 
mistaken ; in my lawyer, never ! 

De Goehler. 
The result seems to be that nothing can be done. 

Falkenshield. 

Not so. (They all rise.) As the execution of the plot 
must be commenced, commenced it shall be ! On the 
Colonel's secrecy we may, of course, rely. The men who 
have been arrested must be discharged ; the dinner shall 
take place, and all things be suffered to proceed, precisely 
as if nothing had occurred. 

De Goehler, (Alarmed.) 
Why, my lord, the conspirators will come then ! 



Scene V.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 109 

Falkenshield. 

I intend they shall, and as they come, my further inten- 
tion is, that every man of them shall be seized and secured 
by soldiers secretly posted here for that purpose. The ap- 
pearance of the traitors in my Palace, disguised and armed, 
will be an act in execution of their plot, and we shall then 
have no difficulty in convicting them. 

Rantzau. 

The plan is admirable ! I assent to it entirely. Colonel 
Roller will, of course, command the soldiers ; you under- 
stand, Colonel, {with a nod and look of intelligence ,) all 
things are to proceed precisely as if nothing had occurred. 

Roller, (Eagerly.) 
You may rely on me ! not a traitor shall escape ! 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 

Desperate blockhead ! He understood me once, but to 
make a second idea enter his brains, — I abandon the hope. 

De Goehler, (With an air of wisdom.) 

I doubt, upon reflection, whether we ought to release the 
men we have arrested. What if they should not return? 
What if no conspirators should come ? 

Rantzau. 

It will then be evident that there are none, and that this 
dreadful plot is a fable, invented to mystify our good, but 
over zealous friend. It often happens that those who seek 
to deceive others, are deceived themselves. 

Falkenshield. 

I differ from you, Count Rantzau ; a conspiracy there 
certainly is, and if our project for this evening fail, other 



110 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

means for securing the traitors shall be found. As to these 
fellows, Cosvelt and Herman, they must no doubt be re- 
leased, otherwise the suspicions of their confederates will 
be awakened, and the execution of the plot will not be 
commenced. {Returns to the table and writes.) 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 

Which, assuredly, it shall not be, if a timely warning can 
prevent it. (Puts the list in his pocket. Aloud.) I must 
now leave you, Gentlemen, Count Struensee expects me. 

Falkenshield, (Writing.) 

Indulge me for a moment. (Rises, and gives a paper to 
De Goehler.) You will deliver this order, Baron, to the 
Governor of the Castle. When the men are released, let 
them be told that they were arrested by mistake. (Exit 
De Goehler.) You leave us, Count, but I trust you will 
return. 

Rantzau. 

To dine with you ? Certainly, my honour requires it. 
If there is danger, I must share it; but, in the mean time, 
it is proper that Count Struensee should know what has 
occurred ; especially should he know the honourable con- 
duct of Colonel Roller. If the conspirators escape, assured- 
ly, the fault will not be his. 

Falkenshield. 

You are right, and the Colonel shall be suitably rewarded. 

Rantzau. 

He must be, or there is no justice extant. My efforts to 
secure to him a proper reward, shall not be wanting. 

Roller, (Approaching, bowing.) 
And be assured, my lord, that my thanks 



SCEHE VI.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 1 1 1 

Rantzau, {Contemptuously.) 
I dispense with them entirely. [Exit. 

ROLLER. 

Now, whether he is my friend or enemy, has gone to 
injure or serve me, for my soul! I cannot tell. You have 
no further commands, my lord. 

Falkenshield. 

None. (Exit Roller.) It is now plain that our Govern- 
ment rests on me alone ; and but for me, would hardly last 
another day. Rantzau, no doubt, is honest, and means well ; 
but he is feeble and irresolute, unwilling to see guilt, and 
afraid to strike the traitors. I agree with Struensee, it is 
time that he should leave us ; especially as my son-in-law 
will succeed him ; fortunately, we shall have no difficulty — 
he will retire whenever we please. He has neither the 
power nor the disposition to give us any trouble. 



SCENE SIXTH. 
Falkenshield and Christina. 

Christina, (Entering from a door on the left.) 

Your guests, Sir, are beginning to arrive. Will you not 
descend to the Saloon ? 

Falkenshield. 

Directly, directly. 

Christina. 

You will oblige me. It is never pleasant to be left alone 
to do the honours of your house ; and to-day it is really 
painful, as I am far from being well. 



112 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

Falkenshield. 
Indeed ! What is it ? 

Christina. 

Probably the effect of the agitation I have suffered du- 
ring the day. 

Falkenshield. 

Probably. I will therefore excuse you from returning 
to our guests. I will even dispense with your presence at 
dinner. 

Christina. 
I thank you. 

Falkenshield. 

Your indisposition is not the sole reason for excusing 
you. Events may possibly happen, during the evening, 
which it would be neither convenient nor pleasant for you 
to witness. 

Christina. 
Indeed ! To what do you allude, Sir ? 

Falkenshield. 
It is not necessary that you should know. 

Christina. 

Speak, dear father, I entreat you. I am almost sure 
that I divine your meaning. The engagement of the Baron 
and myself was to be announced this evening — something 
has occurred to change your views, and you fear 

Falkenshield. 

Stop; you are utterly mistaken. The marriage will 
take place. 



Scsnb VI.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 113 

Christina. 

Ah ! (Sighing.) 

Falkenshield. 

On that point, my intentions are and will remain un- 
changed ! And as I perceive it is necessary you should 
understand me, you will attend to what I shall say. 

Christina. 
I will, Sir. 

Falkenshield. 

My mind is not so wholly occupied by public business 
that I fail to observe what passes in my own family. I 
discovered, long since, that a youth, whom my mistaken 
kindness introduced into our family — a youth, without birth, 
rank or consideration in the world — had presumed to fix his 
affections, in secret, upon yourself. Do you understand me 1 

Christina, (Timidly.) 
I believe I do. 

Falkenshield. 

You understand, then, why I dismissed him ; and hear 
me, further : you rate very highly, far too highly, the personal 
merits of this young man ; but duty and prudence both 
command you to banish him for ever from your recollections. 
You know that when I resolve, I am inflexible ; and I have 
resolved, that in no event, not even to save my fortunes or 
my life, shall my consent 

Christina. 

Be not alarmed, Sir; I know that'an alliance below my 
birth and condition would distress and afflict you ; and what- 

15 



114 



SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 



[Act III. 



ever may be my own sufferings or fate, I will not be the 
cause of your unhappiness. 

Falkenshield. 

Yon have spoken well. I honour your strength of mind. 
I shall now leave you, and will excuse you to our guests. 
Remember, whatever may happen during the evening, it is 
my wish that you remain in your own apartment. [Exit. 

Christina, {Alone.) 

My tears may now flow unrestrained. Oh, Eric ! Is this 
my return for your unequaled love, your generous devotion ? 
Must I indeed banish you for ever from my memory and 
my affections ? How unjust, how absurd are the prejudices 
of which we are the victims. Yet it is a father's voice ex- 
acts the sacrifice, and 



SCENE SEVENTH. 

Christina, (Eric enters hastily, enveloped in a cloak.) 

Eric 
I have baffled them 



Eric ! 



Christina ! 



Christina. 



Eric 



Christina. 



What madness has brought you here? How have you 
dared to enter these apartments ? 

Eric 
Forgive me, I meant not to intrude on your retirement. 



Scene VII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 115 

As I entered the Palace, a few minutes since, several per- 
sons in the garb of soldiers rushed upon me ; I repelled their 
efforts to seize me, and managed to gain the secret stairs, 
by which I have ascended, and have thus eluded their pursuit. 

Christina. 

But why have you entered in secret my father's Palace ? 
What means this mystery — this cloak ! the arms that I now 
perceive? Speak, Eric! I command you, speak! 



E 



RIC. 



To-morrow I must leave Copenhagen with the Regiment 
to which I belong. I had addressed a note to the Baron 
De Goehler that required a prompt reply ; he has neglected 
to give it, and I came here to demand it. 

Christina. 

Gracious powers ! a challenge ! You are infatuated ! 
You are rushing madly to your own destruction. 

Eric. 
Be it so ; but your marriage 



Christina. 

Eric ! If there is any truth in the feelings you have 
avowed ; if you have any regard for my wishes or happi- 
ness, renounce this project. The consequences of the re- 
venge you seek, will be perilous to your own life, and fatal 
to my reputation. Is it my honour that you would sacri- 
fice ? I place it now, fearlessly, under your protection — it 
is a trust that you cannot betray. 

Eric 

What is it you demand ? Must I renounce my just re- 
venge, to behold you in the arms of the base coward, whom 
you compel me to spare ? 



116 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

Christina. 
Never ! never ! 

Eric. 
Christina, what is it you mean ? 

Christina. 

That if you yield to my prayers, I renounce, forever, this 
hateful marriage. You have my assurance, sincere and 
solemn, that if I cannot be yours, no force, no power shall 
compel me to an union with another. 

Eric 

Oh, Christina ! (Rushes to throw himself at her feet.) 

Christina. 

Approach not ; the sudden peril has torn from me the 
secret of my heart ; it is enough that you know it. Perhaps 
in the separation to which we are doomed, you may find 
some consolation in the thought, that my sufferings resemble 
your own. 

Eric. 

Separation ! 

Christina. 

Yes, you must leave me — already you have been here too 
long. You must not expose to further hazard, all that now 
remains to me of value. You know that to my feelings — 

Eric 

Fear not. I would sacrifice my life to shield you from 
the lightest suspicion : I leave you. (Goes to the door by 
which he entered.) Heavens ! there are soldiers below. 



Scene VIII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 117 

Christina. 

Soldiers ! 

Eric. 

Here, then, at least {Goes to the door in the rear.) 

Christina. 

No, no ! there are persons now ascending — I hear the 
voice of my father. Merciful heavens ! should you be 
found here, I am lost. 

Eric 

Not if my death can save you. Here then (Enters a 

door on the left.) 

Christina. 

Ah ! my own apartment. 

SCENE EIGHTH. 

Falkenshield, De Goehler, Rantzau, Koller, Soldiers, 

and other persons. 

Falkenshield. 

This is the only quarter of the Palace that remains to be 
searched — here he must be. 

Christina. 
What is it ? what has happened ? 

De Goehler. 

A plot ! a plot against all our lives ! 

Falkenshield. 
You go too far, Baron— you must not alarm Christina. 




118 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act 111. 

All that we know is, that a man has entered the Palace in 
disguise, and armed. 

De Goehler. 

One man! The guards in the outer Court said there 
were three. 

Rantzau. 

And others swore there were seven. The probability is, 
there were none. 

Falkenshield. 

One there certainly was, and armed, as is proved by this 
pistol, which he dropped in his flight. If in this quarter of 
the Palace, he must have ascended by the secret stairs, and 
I marvel (To Christina) that you have not seen him. 

Christina. 

Seen him ! I heard a noise at one time, as of a person 
passing rapidly in that direction. (Pointing to a Saloon on 
the right.) 

De Goehler. 
Impossible ! Every apartment there has been searched. 

Falkenshield. 

If there were not soldiers at the foot of the private stairs, 
(Opening the door on the right,) I should think he was still 
below ; it is yet possible. Search, Roller. (Roller and 
two Soldiers go out by that door.) 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 

Some unluckly conspirator, who has not received his note 
of warning. A note there was to every name on the list. 

Roller, (Returning.) 
We have found no one. The conspirators must have 



Scene 1X.1 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 119 

changed their plan, and I cannot conceive to what chance 
it has been owing. 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 
Chance ! Fools always believe in chance. 

Falkenshield, (To the Soldiers.) 

That is the only room, (Pointing to the door on the left,) 
which has not been examined ; enter it. 

Christina, (Interposing.) 

It is my apartment ; you cannot think it possible — you 
must not. 

Falkenshield. 

They must, and they shall. (Takes her by the arm — she 
trembles.) Enter, I say. (As Koller and the Soldiers 
approach, the door is suddenly thrown open, and Eric 
appears. All utter exclamations of surprise.) 



SCENE NINTH. 

The same, and Eric. 

Christina, (About to sink.) 

Support me, father ! (Falkenshield looks at her sternly, 
and leads her to a seat.) 

Eric 
I surrender myself. I am the person whom you seek. 

De Goehler. 

Eric BurckenstafF, a conspirator ! 

Eric 
Yes, I am a conspirator. I glory in the avowal. 



120 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

De Goehler, (Aside.) 

He is mad with revenge. He is armed, too. He shall 
not come near me. (Falkenshield directs De Goehler 
to go to the table ; where he seats himself, and prepares to 
write.) 

Roller, (Aside.) 

And I was ignorant of this ! yet it must be so. My fate 
depends on his silence. 

Rantzau, (Aside) 
There is a mystery here. I cannot yet believe him. 

Falkenshield, (Returning.) 

And now, young man, you will attend to the questions 
that I shall put. Who are your confederates? 

Eric. 
I have none. 

Roller, (To Eric, in a low voice.) 

Persist in that. (Eric looks at him in surprise — he re- 
treats.) 

Rantzau, (Aside.) 

If a conspirator, he is no coward. There will be no 
baseness here. 

Falkenshield, (To De Goehler.) 

Have you taken down his answer ? (To Eric.) What 
you have said, young man, is incredible. Confederates, 
you must have. The tumults excited by the partisans of 
your father, the arms you bear, and your secret entrance 
into this Palace, all prove, that you are engaged in a plot, 
of the existence of which we are already informed. Your 



Scene IX.] HOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 121 

silence can avail you nothing. If you disclose the truth, 
you may yet be saved. I again ask you, who are your 
confederates ? What are their objects ? 

Eric. 

You have heard the only reply that I shall give. My 
own motives for conspiring against you, I am proud to con- 
fess. I wished to free the King from the shameful bondage 
in which you hold him. I wished to redeem my country 
from the yoke of your tyranny and oppression. I have 
also personal motives that impel me to revenge ; there are 
those among you, who have given me the right to seek it — 
cowards, who meanly refuse to atone for the wrongs which 
they basely commit. 

De Goehler. 

I will explain his meaning to the Council. I know to 
what he alludes. 

Falkenshield. 

Silence, for the present, Baron ; and since the young 
man confesses 

Christina, {Earnestly, to her father.) 

Believe him not — he is innocent! I know that he is. 
He seeks to deceive you. 

Eric. 

No, young lady, I obey the dictates of my conscience ; 
and I rejoice to give this last proof of my devotion to the 
cause that I serve. 

KOLLER, (To RANTZAU.) 

He and his cause are lost for ever. 

16 




122 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act III. 

Rantzau. 

Perhaps so, (aside,) but not if I can help it. His father 
must now be released ; he shall be brought again on the 
stage, and this time to act with effect. 

Falken shield, (Takes the written declaration from De 
Goehler and gives it to Rantzau — As he does so, says 
to Eric.) 

This, then, is your final declaration ? 

Eric 
It is, and I am prepared to seal it with my blood. 

Christina. (Whilst Falkenshield, De Goehler and 

Rantzau retire to deliberate, she rises from her seat, goes 
to Eric, and says in a low voice]) 

Your life ! your life ! will be the sacrifice. 

Eric. 

Your honour is safe. 

Falkenshield, (Coming forward. To the Soldiers.) 
Guards, secure your prisoner ; take him away. 

Eric 

Force is needless, I go willingly. 

[Exeunt Eric and the Soldiers. 

Rantzau, (As Eric passes him.) 

Unfortunate, misguided youth ! (Aside.) His arrest is 
the most lucky incident that could have occurred. 

[Curtain falls. 

END OF ACT III. 



Scenk I.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 123 



ACT IV. 

SCENE FIRST. 

The Apartments of the Queen-Mother, in the Royal Palace. 

Queen-Mother, (Alone.) 

No one has yet appeared, and every moment increases 
my anxiety. This letter perplexes me ; it has no name, nor 
can I imagine by whom it was sent. {Reads.) " Young 
" Eric Burckenstaff was last night seized as a conspirator, 
" in the Palace of Count Falkenshield ; he was in disguise, 
* and armed, and confesses the charge ; his life and your 
" Majesty's safety and honour are in imminent peril. You 
" should send, at once, for his father, and urge him to instant 
" action. Without an union with him, your cause is lost." 
Eric Burckenstaff, a conspirator ! His name, I am sure, 
was not on the list, and was never mentioned to me by Rol- 
ler — yet it must be so, and if he speaks, my ruin is sealed : 
But he will not, I dismiss the fear ; he is brave and honour- 
able, and will not betray me. But his father, why has he not 
yet come ? I sent for him the instant I received this note, 
and hours, it seems to me, have since elapsed. This sus- 
pense distracts me ; and Roller too (A Servant enters.) 

Servant. 
Mynherr Burckenstaff desires 



Queen. 

Admit him, instantly. 



124 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

SCENE SECOND. 

Queen-Mother, Burckenstaff, Martha and Servant. 

Burckenstaff, (To his wife, as they enter.) 

You see, wife, no waiting in the anti-chamber here — 
admitted, as soon as we arrive. 

Queen. 

Come forward, Mynherr. I have been expecting you 
impatiently. 

Burckenstaff. 

Your Majesty will excuse me for bringing my wife ; she 
wished to see the Palace, and I wished her to witness the 
favour 

Queen. 

Enough ! she is welcome. She can be trusted, no doubt. 
(To the Servant.) Withdraw. (Exit Servant. To 
Burckenstaff.) You have heard what has happened ? 

Burckenstaff. 

I have heard nothing, Madam. Since yesterday I have 
not been out of my own house. Until a late hour last night 
I was shut up in my own wine cellar; how it happened no 
one can tell ; but there I was, shut up, locked in, six mortal 
hours. 

Martha. 

And would have been there still, but for a private note 

Queen, (Interrupts her.) 

No more — 'tis past, I have sent for you, Mynherr, be- 
cause I need your immediate advice and aid. 






Scene II/| SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 125 



BURCKENSTAFF. 

Your Majesty may command me. (To his wife.) You 
hear, my advice and aid ! 

Queen. 

The time has now arrived, when all your influence and 
power must be exerted, in my behalf and in your own, to 
save us both from the ruin that threatens us. 

Martha. 

Your Majesty will pardon me, but I think it is time he 
should be quiet ; he has had trouble enough already, in all 
conscience. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Peace, woman ! (The Queen goes to the door, and listens.) 
Would you mar my advancement ? ruin my fortunes ? 

Martha. 

Fortunes, indeed ! You are not satisfied, then ? Furni- 
ture broken ! goods pillaged ! six hours in a dark cellar ! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

I can bear it no longer ; you should have staid at home, 
had I thought this. (Queen returns.) Your Majesty will 
forgive her ; her mind is narrow — she is a weak, timid 
woman. I wait to know your Majesty's wishes. 

Queen. 

You must unite your efforts to mine, to free our country 
from its oppressors — to restore to Denmark its ancient free- 
dom, and to the King his lawful authority. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

My character and sentiments, thank Heaven ! are well 




126 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

known. To serve the cause of freedom and my country, 
my efforts 

Martha, {Interrupting him.) 

To make yourself Mayor, you mean ; that is your object ; 
vou know it is. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

For the last time, woman 

Queen. 

No more. Listen to me. Colonel Roller, a friend 
devoted to our cause, I must presume, has already acquaint- 
ed you with his projects of yesterday. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Colonel Roller — I do not know him — I have never seen 
him. 

Queen. 

Not seen him ! You astonish me. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

I am astonished myself, Madam ; for if Colonel Roller is 
a friend to our cause, I am the first person to whom he 
should have made known his projects. How he could 
expect to succeed without me, I do not understand. 

Queen. 

Especially, should he have applied to you, since the 
arrest of your son. 

Martha. 

My son arrested ! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Did they know he was my son ? 



Scene II.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 121 

Queen. 

Is it possible you have yet to learn that your son was 
last night seized as a conspirator, is now in prison, and must 
lose his life unless you deliver him. It is to save him, that 
I have sent for you 

Martha, (Sobbing.) 

I ask your Majesty's pardon — I ask your pardon. Had 
I known this, had I suspected it — Oh ! my son, my poor 
boy ! (Weeping. Turns to her husband.) Her Majesty 
is right ! Our son must be saved ! We must deliver him. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Certainly. Something must be done. 

Martha. 

Why do you stand still, then ? Why are you not already 
in the midst of your friends, and neighbours, and workmen, 
urging them, compelling them, again to revolt. 

Queen. 
It is the only course. It is all that I require or wish. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

I understand your Majesty's wishes; but I should like to 
consider a little 

Martha. 

Consider ! You must not, you shall not consider. Sound 
the alarm in the streets of Copenhagen ; arm your work- 
men, rally the citizens, surround the Palace, force them to 
give me back my son. If he can be taken from me, who is 
safe ? You are not a man, if you submit to this. The citi- 
zens are slaves and cowards, if they endure it — they have 
no regard to their own rights, their own freedom. 




128 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

Queen. 

Yes, Mynherr, there must be no delay. You must act 
at once, and with energy ; you may depend on my assist- 
ance, and that of my friends ; and on your part, you must 
promise not to desist from your efforts till Struensee is 
overthrown 

Martha. 

And my son released ! Your Majesty shall be obeyed. 

Queen. 

You and your friends may communicate with me by these 
secret stairs. (Opening a door on the right.) You must 
keep me advised of all that happens, and shall receive from 
me further instructions, when necessary. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Why, Madam, I am already at a loss. If your Majesty 
would deign to instruct me now, I 

Martha. 

Come with me — we have heard enough. I know what 
is to be done. (As they go out.) I answer for him, Ma- 
dam, and the revolt too. (Exeunt Burckenstaff and 
Martha, by the door on the right.) 

Servant, (Entering from door in the rear.) 

Their Excellencies Count Falkenshield and Count Rant- 
zau, desire admittance, and they commanded me to say, 
that they are sent to your Majesty from the Council of 
Regency. 

Queen. 

Admit them. (Exit Servant.) What can this mean ? 



Scene HI.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 129 



SCENE THIRD. 

The Queen-Mother, Falkenshield and Rantzau. (The 

Queen seats herself.) 

Falkenshield. 

Yesterday, Madam, the peace of the city was disturbed, 
more than once, by seditious assemblages of the people ; 
and last night the execution of a dangerous plot was 
attempted in my own Palace. The head and author of these 
conspiracies we have not yet been able to ascertain by 
proof, but we have no difficulty in fixing our suspicions. 

Queen. 
That you can suspect, without proof, I have long known. 

Rantzau, (Looking at the Queen.) 

It is true, Eric BurckenstafF refuses to name his con- 
federates or leaders, and will, no doubt, persist in his silence ; 
but 

Falkenshield. 

His obstinacy shall cost him his life ! In the mean time 
other measures must not be delayed. We believe, whether 
with or without evidence may hereafter appear, that your 
Majesty is the true source of all the intrigues and plots by 
which the Government is endangered. You are therefore 
commanded, as a measure of just precaution, to confine 
yourself to your own apartments, and to hold no communi- 
cation with any one, unless by special permission. Such 
are the orders of the Queen and the Prime Minister, that 
we are sent to announce. 

Queen. 

Announce to me ! By what right ? 

17 




130 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

Falkenshield. 

A right that yesterday we might not have claimed, but 
to-day exercise without scruple. A defeated plot always 
strengthens the Government, and we are now prepared to 
act with the energy that the times demand. The punish- 
ment of traitors, in future, will be prompt, as well as certain, 
since they will be judged, not by the ordinary Courts of 
Justice, but solely by the Regency in Council. That high 
tribunal is now determining the fate of Eric Burckenstaff, 
and it is before the same tribunal, Madam, that other offend- 
ers of a rank far higher may soon be compelled to appear. 

Queen, (Rising.) 
You dare not ! for your lives you dare not ! 



SCENE FOURTH. 
The same, and De Goehler. 

De Goehler, (With papers in his hands.) 

I have brought with me, my lord, the sentence of Eric 
Burckenstaff, which, as Secretary of the Council, I have 
prepared. Two signatures only are wanting to complete it. 

Falkenshield. 

Give it me. (Takes the paper from him.) 

De Goehler. 

I have also brought with me a Resolution of the Council, 
duly certified, sanctioning the removal by the Queen 

Falkenshield. 

Silence ! (Pointing to Rantzau.) 



Scene IV.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 131 

De Goehler, (In a low tone.) 
He did not hear me — he has no suspicions. 

Falkenshield, (After leading the sentence.) 

'Tis well — declared guilty — his punishment, death. It is 
this precedent, Madam, that we mean to follow. 

Queen. 

In other words, you will continue to be tyrants while you 
have the power. I believe you. 

De Goehler. 

There is now in the anti-chamber, my lord, a Deputation 
of Magistrates from the Supreme Criminal Court ; they 
have heard that Eric BurckenstafF has been tried and con- 
demned by the Council of Regency, and they complain of 
the proceedings as an invasion of their rights ; they have 
come to present a formal remonstrance to the King, and 
they hope, through her Majesty, to be admitted to his Royal 
presence. 

Falkenshield. 

You see, Madam, it is around you that all the disaffected 
rally ; they form your Court. 

Queen. 
Which, thanks to you, increases hourly. 

Falkenshield. 

I must not deny to you, Madam, the pleasure of seeing 
your faithful servants. (To De Goehler.) Command 
them to enter. (Exit De Goehler.) They shall receive 
their answer, if not from your Majesty's lips, at least in your 
presence. 




132 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 



SCENE FIFTH. 

The same. President and two Magistrates of Supreme 

Criminal Court. 

Falkenshield, (To the Magistrates.) 

We understand, Gentlemen, the motives of your attend- 
ance, and must inform you, that the remonstrance you pro- 
pose to deliver cannot be received. We have departed, 
with regret, from the ordinary forms of justice, but the 
necessity of the times is our full defence. The scenes of 
disorder that have afflicted and disgraced the city, must not 
be renewed, and they can only be repressed by a prompti- 
tude and energy of action, to which your powers are quite 
unequal. 

President. 

Not so, my lord ; it is in the regular administration of jus- 
tice that the Government would find its best security. The 
laws, as they exist, are sufficient for the punishment of 
treason, and they should be put in force, not suspended or 
annulled. It is not reasonable that for the crime of a few 
the whole nation should be punished ; punished in the depri- 
vation of its dearest rights. The proceeding is neither just 
nor politic. 

Falkenshield. 

Such, Gentlemen, may be your opinions ; but opposed to 
the decision of the Government they pass for nothing, and 
must not be again expressed. The will of the King is the 
supreme law in Denmark ; the Council of Regency are the 
organ of his will ; they have declared it, and your duty, like 
that of other subjects, is to submit and obey. Instead of 
disputing the orders of your Sovereign, you should aid us to 
preserve the public tranquillity, by warning the people of 



Scene V.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 133 

the fatal consequences that must ensue, should the disturb- 
ances of yesterday be renewed. 

President. 
But, my lord 

Falkenshield. 

I have not done — hear me further. During the night, 
large bodies of troops have entered the city, and are now 
properly distributed. The command of the whole is en- 
trusted to Colonel Roller, with positive orders to suppress, 
by military force, the slightest disturbance. As a further 
proof that we are not to be intimidated, you will inform the 
people, that the son of their factious leader, Burckenstaff, 
has been condemned to death as a traitor, and that nothing 
shall prevent the execution of his sentence. It is his sen- 
tence that I now sign. (Signs the paper, and then offers it 
to Rantzau.) Count Rantzau your signature alone is 
wanting. 

Rantzau, (Slowly and firmly.) 
And shall never be given ! 

Falkenshield. 

Not given ! And why ? 

Rantzau. 

I have many reasons. The sentence, in itself, is pre- 
cipitate and unjust ; it is pronounced by a tribunal that had 
no authority to act ; it violates the ancient laws of the 
Kingdom, and subverts the undoubted privileges of the Su- 
preme Criminal Court. To a proceeding, thus arbitrary 
and violent, I can never be a party. 

Falkenshield. 

My lord 



134 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV- 

Rantzau. 

I may be wrong; but these are my opinions, deliberate 
and fixed. The voice of my conscience I cannot silence, 
and therefore will not s:gn your decree. 

Falkenshield. 

You should have expressed these opinions at the Council 
Board. 

Rantzau. 

What, in secret? where remonstrance and dissent would 
have been of no avail? I think otherwise. To give any 
value to my protest, it is necessary it should be made aloud, 
and in public. 

De Goehler, (Approaching him.) 

You know the rule, my lord, when a Minister opposes 
his colleagues. 

Rantzau. 

Yesterday, while the Government was in peril, it would 
have been cowardly to have left you. To-day, your tri- 
umph is certain, your power secure, and my motives now 
cannot be liable to suspicion. I have therefore great plea- 
sure in tendering the resignation, which the Baron so im- 
patiently expects. {Takes a paper from his pocket and 
delivers it to Falkenshield.) 

Falkenshield. 

It shall be transmitted instantly to the Queen, and beyond 
a doubt she will accept it. 

V 

De Goehler. 
Oh ! we shall certainly accept it. 



Scene V.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 135 

Falkenshield, (To the President and Magistrates.) 

You have heard, Gentlemen, the determination of the 
Government ; you may now retire. 

President. 

We shall, my lord. Your conduct, Count Rantzau, has 
not surprised us ; it is such, as from you, we had a right to 
expect ; and it assures to you our thanks, and the gratitude 
of your country. [Exeunt President and Magistrates. 

Falkenshield. 

I shall proceed at once, Count Rantzau, to apprize the 
Queen and the Prime Minister of the course you have 
chosen to follow — a course, to me, wholly unexpected, 
and 

Rantzau. 

Let me complete the sentence — highly gratifying ! 

Falkenshield, (Angrily.) 
Follow me, Baron. [Exit Falkenshield. 

De Goehler. 

In a moment, my lord. I wish before I go (Approach- 
ing Rantzau with an air of derision.) 

Rantzau. 

To offer me your thanks. It is needless. You are now 
a Minister. 

De Goehler. 

And so I would have been had you not resigned. Look 
at this paper, my lord. (Showing him the Resolution.) You 
see my measures were well taken. It has happened as I 



136 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

told you. You are still living, and I, not competent as I 
am, {chuckling) succeed to your possessions. 

Rantzau. , 

True, every word of it true. But, let me not detain 
you ; go ! take possession of your office ; Minister for a day ! 

De Goehler. 
A day ! 

Rantzau, 

Perhaps twenty-four hours, perhaps less. Your moments, 
at any rate, I know are precious ; and it would grieve me to 
abridge, even by an instant, your enjoyment of power. And 
here, Sir, {sternly,) our conversation must end ; leave me. 

De Goehler, {Aside.) 

He's old, but he's dangerous still. I shall gain nothing 
by staying. I'll go. [Exit, hastily. 



SCENE SIXTH. 

The Queen-Mother and Rantzau. 

Rantzau. 

And so, my dear colleagues had made up their minds to 
part with me. I have anticipated them, and now we shall 
see 

Queen. 

I shall never recover from my surprise. You resign ! 

Rantzau. 

Why not? Are there not occasions when a man of 
honour must resign ? 



Scene VI.] HOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 137 



Queen. 

But, excluded from power, are not your prospects ruined 
for ever ? 

Rantzau. 

By no means. There is much policy in a resignation, 
well timed. Besides, old and Statesman, as I am, there 
are feelings, weaknesses, if you please, from which I am 
not exempt. This young Eric interests me, strangely. I 
believe his sentence to be unjust ; yet, had I remained, 
I must have signed it. Nor is this all ; I have stronger 
reasons, which, alone, would have decided me ; had I re- 
mained, I must have concurred in the proceedings against 
your Majesty. 

Queen. 

The order which confines me to my apartments ! it is in- 
deed an outrage. 

Rantzau. 

A trifle, compared with what they meditate. Your Ma- 
jesty is not aware that Eric BurckenstafT is not the only 
person who has been arrested ; the emissaries of Koller, 
Cosvelt and Herman, were also seized. 

Queen. 

Wretches, base and mercenary, whom Koller should 
never have employed. To save themselves they will de- 
nounce him, and his life 

Rantzau. 

Is in no danger, Madam ; it is he who has denounced 
them. He is safe, as I predicted he would be, by selling him- 
self and betraying his friends. 

18 



138 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

Queen. 

Roller faithless ! a traitor ! Who, then, who can be trusted ? 

Rantzau. 

It is difficult to say. Your experience of his treachery 
they mean shall be bitter indeed. Until the mock trial which 
awaits your Majesty, you will be confined in a strong and 
distant fortress. Roller will be sent this evening to seize 
your papers, and at an early hour in the morning, it is Rol- 
ler who will conduct you to your prison. These honour- 
able employments he solicited. 

Queen. 

Base, ungrateful villain ! But he shall not escape. 
Thank heaven, I have means which ensure his destruction. 

Rantzau. 

Indeed ! 

Queen. 

His own letters, addressed to me, advising, urging me to 
conspire. You shall have them. (Goes to a private secre- 
tary and takes out papers.) 

Rantzau. 

His anxiety to seize the papers I now understand. It was 
natural enough ; he wished to make a judicious selection for 
the eyes of the Council. 

Queen, (Returning with a packet.) 

Here they are ; take them — use them. If my doom is 
fixed, so is his — his head shall fall. 

Rantzau. 

And when it has fallen, what use can you make of it ? 
Success, not revenge, should be your object. 



s, 1NE VI.l mHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 139 

Queen. 

Success is now impossible, and revenge, alone, is left. 
But no, there still are hopes — Reinhart Burckenstaff! I have 
seen him this morning, and he has promised that the people 
shall rise again. Can he redeem his promise ? 

Rantzau. 

As matters now stand, I think not. The Government is 
now on its guard, and has taken measures of precaution and 
defence, that I fear will be effectual. Besides, this Burck- 
enstaff can do nothing of himself ; he is a mere machine, an 
admirable lever, that, well directed, can move large masses ; 
but to render any service, like the lever, he must act uncon- 
sciously : if he attempts to think for himself, or to under- 
stand, in the least, what he is about, he is good for nothing. 

Queen. 

All then that remains is to perish with dignity. I can no 
longer struggle against my fate. Matilda has triumphed, 
and I and my cause are lost for ever. 

Rantzau. 

Your cause never looked so well. Its success I now 
regard as certain. 

Queen. 

Speak, then, speak ! 

Rantzau. 

Yesterday, your Majesty's only friends were a small knot 
of intriguers, conspiring, without a plan, and almost without 
an object ; to-day, how is your situation altered ? public 
opinion is now your ally — the Courts, the Magistrates, the 
entire Nation, for whose rights you have declared, will 
espouse your cause. You are now persecuted and 



140 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

oppressed ; the people always take the side of the oppressed, 
and their feelings, it is certain, will burst forth in your 
favour. Your present advantages are inestimable, and must 
not be lost. 

Queen. 

But what aid can we now expect from the people ? You 
have yourself said that a revolt is now impracticable. 

Rantzau. 

Immediate aid must be sought from another quarter ; but 
the people will support you ; and when, by other means, you 
have succeeded, their support will consolidate your power. 

Queen. 

I am still in the dark : To my eyes there is not a ray of 
hope ; for if Matilda and Struensee have determined to 
arrest me in the morning, how can we prevent them ? 

Rantzau. 

There is but one mode — by arresting them to-night. 
Through that door, {pointing to a door on the left,) if I mis- 
take not, you may pass to the King's apartment. 

Queen. 

Alas ! we can hope nothing from him — he cannot aid us. 
I have seen him this morning. His state is more lamentable 
than ever ; he seems to have lost, entirely, the use of his 
faculties. 

Rantzau. 

But he retains the use of his hands ? he can still write 
his name? 

Queen. 

What can vou mean ? 



Scene VI.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 141 

Rantzau. 

That your Majesty would have no difficulty in procuring 
his signature to any paper or order you may choose to lay 
before him. 

Queen. 

Certainly none ; but what can avail the order of a King, 
whose authority is gone ? Who will execute it ? 

Rantzau. 

Who ? Roller ! Roller shall execute it. 

Queen. 

Roller ! the traitor! 

Rantzau. 

Yes, the traitor, who, by this time, will be prepared to 
sell himself once more to your Majesty, and your Majesty 
must buy him. As General Roller, he will not hesitate. 

Queen. 

What ! reward him too ! 

Rantzau. 

Why, the title, for the present, he must have ; but how 
long he shall be permitted to retain it, (smiling,) both your 
Majesty and myself must feel, will depend upon circum- 
stances. (A knocking heard at the door opening upon the 
private stairs.) 

Queen, (In a low voice.) 
Who is there ? 

Burckenstaff, (Without.) 
It is I, Madam, Reinhart Burckenstaff. 



142 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

Rantzau, (In a low voice.) 

This is fortunate, indeed. It is he who must deliver the 
order to Koller. It is not necessary that he should see me ; 
but your Majesty will admit him, and engage him to wait 
until he receives his instructions. Your Majesty will find 
me 

Queen. 

Where ? 

Rantzau. 

In the King's anti-chamber. (Goes out by a door on the 
left The Queen opens the private door. Enter Burcken- 
staff.) 



SCENE SEVENTH. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

I have come to inform your Majesty that nothing has yet 
been done, and to entreat that your Majesty will now give 
me your further instructions. 

Queen. 

'Tis Providence that has sent you. Wait, you shall be 
directed ; you shall have full instructions, which you must 
follow to the letter ; and you must remain here till you re- 
ceive them. Do not move till you hear from me. 

[Exit the Queen. 

Burckenstaff, (Alone.) 

Thank Heaven I shall soon know how to act. When 
plagued for my orders or advice, I shall no longer be 
compelled to say, " Wait, we shall see — wait." 'Tis the only 
answer I have yet been able to give. When you are at a 



Sckne VIII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 143 

loss, it is always good to wait, for in the mean time, ideas 

may come ; whereas, by hurrying matters (J. knocking 

heard at the private door — he opens it. Enter Martha 
and Jan.) 



SCENE EIGHTH. 

Burckenstaff, Martha and Jan. 

BlJRCKENSTAFF. 

Well, what now ? what have you done ? 

Jan, (With a melancholy look.) 
Nothing. Things look bad enough, very bad ; all is quiet. 

Martha. 

The streets are deserted, the shops closed, and the citizens 
shut up in their houses. 

Burckenstaff. 

You amaze me ! What! the very men, who, yesterday, 
would have borne me in triumph, now shut themselves in 
their houses ! It is monstrous. 

Jan. 

They cannot help it, Master ; the soldiers have entered 
the city, and are so posted, that they command every street. 
There are two or three troops of horse around your own 
factories ; and when some of the men tried to escape, they 
were seized on the spot, and carried to the guard-house. 

Burckenstaff, (Alarmed.) 

Matters have altered, indeed; this is a new state of 
things. The Queen-Mother is a reasonable woman, and 
will not ask impossibilities. She will see that nothing can 



144 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

be done, and will permit us to return quietly to our own 
house. 

Martha. 

You cannot enter it. The soldiers are there also, plunder- 
ing your goods, drinking your wine, breaking every door, 
searching every room, and swearing vengeance against 
you, should you be found. 

BlJRCKENSTAFF. 

Why, this is terrible ! this is awful ! What shall we do ? 
Where can we go ? We must conceal ourselves. 

Martha. 

Conceal yourself, when the life of your son is at stake, and 
you alone can save him ! Have you the heart of a father, 
and do you talk of concealing yourself? No, no, you must 
act. 

BlJRCKENSTAFF. 

But how act ? What can we do ? (Looking anxiously 
at Jan.) Jan, Jan, have you nothing to say ? 

Jan. 

Don't give up the ship, I say. There are no soldiers in 
the harbours and dock yards, and there is a large body 
there of sailors, from Norway, who are the very boys we 
want. Give me money enough, and you shall have them 
all. Enlist them, and they'll stick to you to the last. I 
warrant you, they'll never flinch. 

Martha. 

Give hiui money, instantly, all that he wants, all that you 
have. (Observing him hesitate.) What, do you refuse ? 



Sc* 

Certainly not. I am very far from saying " No," only I 
am not quite prepared to say "Yes." 



SceweVIII.] school for politicians. 115 



BURCKENSTAFF. 



Martha. 

What, then, is your answer ? 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Wait, we shall see — wait. 

Servant, {Entering from a door on the left, with a packet 

in his hand.) 

I am ordered to deliver this packet into the hands of 
Mynherr BurckenstafF. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Thanks, my good friend, thanks ; I am the man. (Takes 
the packet. Exit Servant.) And now, wife, I will act ; I 
did not choose to mention it before, but the truth is, the 
Queen-Mother and I have arranged every thing. We have 
our plan, and here it is. 

Martha. 
Is it possible ? Read it, then. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Pardon me, these are not matters for your ears. Whilst 
I read, retire a little ; you too, Jan. (They retire. He opens 
the packet.) First, a letter addressed to myself. (He opens 
it, and reads,) — " My worthy friend : I entrust to you, as 
" leader of the people, the order that accompanies this letter. 
" It is from the King." Is it possible ! the King ! " You 
"must deliver it with your own hands to the person to 
" whom it is addressed ; and should he ask any questions, 
" you must give him no explanations, nor enter into any 

19 



146 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

"details whatever. You will then leave the Palace as pri- 
" vately as you can, and keep yourself, during the night, in 
" strict concealment." Most assuredly I will. " At break of 
" day, should the Royal standard be displayed on the Palace, 
" you will assemble and arm your friends and depend- 
"ants — call the people to your aid, and with as large a 
"body as you can collect, march to the Royal Palace, 
" where further directions will be given you, if necessary. 
" By following these instructions, you will save your country 
" and the life of your son." These, indeed, are matters of 
high importance ; but I shall obey, I will save my country. 
" When you have read this letter, destroy it." It is done. 
{Tears up the letter.) 

Martha, (Coming for ward.) 
Well, you have finished, and now what is your plan ? 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

You are too curious ; you must not inquire into state 
secrets. It is enough that I know what is to be done. And 
now let me look at the order. How carefully it is sealed. 
(Reads the address.) " To Lieutenant General Roller, by 
the hands of Reinhart Burckenstaff." Roller ! the very 
man who was named to us by the Queen. I shall certainly 
deliver it to him with my own hands. 

Martha. 

Well, but what are we to do ? 

Burckenstaff. 

We must leave the Palace as privately as we can, and 
keep ourselves, during the night, in strict concealment. 

Martha. 
Concealment ! Can you mean it ? 



Scene VIII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 147 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Our plan requires it. There is another part of our plan 
that you, Jan, seem to have divined, and to you I shall entrust 
its execution. I will supply you with the necessary funds, 
and during the night you must enlist and arm the sailors, of 
whom you spoke, and as many more as you can. Just 
before daylight, accompanied by the whole body of them, 
you will join me, at my place of concealment, where further 
directions will be given you, if necessary. 

Martha. 
And by these means will you save the life of your son ? 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

A question indeed ! As if that were not all arranged — set- 
tled. Yes, Madam, by these means the life of your son will 
be saved ; and mark my words, by these means your country 
will be saved. How my services will be rewarded, I am 
not quite certain. I shall at least be made a Member of 
the Privy Council, and have a suitable rank and salary. 
And you too, Jan, you shall be provided for : we shall find a 
snug little post for you. 

Jan. 

What care I, Master ? It won't suit me at all, unless it is 
what they call a signcure — all pay and no work. 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

But we are losing precious time. Let me think what 
must first be done. Oh ! the delivery of this order. But 
where is Roller to be found? A servant will tell me. (To 
Martha and Jan.) Do you go — I'll follow. (As Jan and 
Martha are going out by the private door, Koller opens 
the door in the rear, and advances rapidly to Burckbnstaff. 
Martha and Jan return.) 




148 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

SCENE NINTH. 

The same, and Roller. 

Roller. 
And who are you ? How came you here ? 

BURCKENSTAFP. 

I came here, Sir, in obedience to the orders of the 
Queen-Mother. And pray, what right have you to question 
me ? Who are you ? 

Roller. 

What insolence is this ! Do you not know me ? Do 
you not know that I command the Guards, and that my 
name is Roller 1 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Roller ! I am truly glad to hear it, and you will be glad 
to know who I am. I am Reinhart Burckenstaff, the well 
known chief and leader of the people — celebrated, Count 
Rantzau was once pleased to say. 

Roller. 

Burckenstaff! Your audacity is unequalled ! You must 
know that a warrant for your arrest has been issued, and 
yet have come to brave us in the Palace itself. 

Martha. 

His arrest ! Oh, Sir ! 

Burckenstaff. 

Be quiet, wife ; the General and I understand each other. 
We are very good friends. We are partners in the same 
concern, General, embarked in the same bottom. 



Scene IX.l SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 149 

KOLLER. 

We, fellow ! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Ah ! you are very discreet ; but you shall soon know that 
I can be trusted. Read this paper, Sir, if you please. 
(Giving him the order.) It is an order from the King. 

ROLLER. 

From the King ! (Reads the paper, and seems much agi- 
tated.) What is this ? Can I trust my eyes ? The Queen 
Matilda and Struensee to be arrested — this night, and by 
me ! 

Martha, (To Burckenstaff, looking at Koller.) 

He is strangely moved ! what can the contents of that 
paper be ? 

Burckenstaff. 

They concern you not. You would not understand were 
I to tell you. 

Roller. 

Yet the order is genuine — the name, the handwriting of 
the King himself. It confounds me — I must know more. 
You must explain, Sir (Advancing to Burckenstaff.) 

Burckenstaff. 

Sir, I shall give no explanations ; I shall enter into no 
details whatever. You have the orders of the King, and 
you know your duty. I, also, have his Majesty's orders, and 
I know mine. Come, wife. (Exeunt Burckenstaff, Mar- 
tha and Jan, by a private door. Enter Rantzau from the 
door on the right, unobserved by Koller.) 




150 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

SCENE TENTH. 

Roller and Rantzau. 

Roller, (Raising his eyes, and seeing Rantzau.) 
Count Rantzau here ! 

Rantzau. 

When I entered, you were buried in thought. 

Roller. 

It is fortunate that you are here, my lord ; you will be 
mv witness to the Council 

Rantzau. 

I am no longer a Member of the Council — no longer a 
Minister. I have resigned. 

Roller, (Aside.) 

He resign ! Their house must be falling, if he has left 
them. (Aloud.) Your resignation, my lord, surprises me 
nearly as much as the strange order I have just received. 

Rantzau. 

An order ! From whom ? 

Roller. 

From the Ring himself. I came here charged by the 
Council to examine and seal the papers of the Queen- 
Mother, and I had scarcely entered, when this astonishing 
order was placed in my hands, commanding me to arrest, 
this evening, the Queen Matilda and Count Struensee. It 
seems incredible, yet such is the fact. Look at the order, 
my lord. (Gives the order to Rantzau.) 



Scewe X.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 151 

Rantzau. 

The order is quite regular, and the name, the undoubted 
signature of our true and lawful Sovereign, Christian the 
Seventh. 

Roller. 
It is so. And now, my lord, what is to be done ? 

Rantzau. 

If I read correctly, it is to you, not me, that the order is 
addressed. 

Roller. 

True, my lord ; but, in my place, forced to elect between 
the Ring and the Council — to oppose the authority of one 
or the other, what course would you pursue ? 

Rantzau. 
I would ask advice from no one. 

Roller. 
You mean that you would act ; but how, my lord ? 

Rantzau. 

That you have no right to know ; yet, without telling you 
what would be my decision, I may perhaps assist you in 
forming you own. I assume, that you mean to be governed 
on this occasion as you always are, by an enlightened 
regard to your own interests. 

Roller. 
How ! my lord. 

Rantzau. 

I state the case truly, and you know I do. Let me, there- 




152 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 

fore, ask your attention to the superscription of this order ; 
it seems to have escaped you. 

Roller, {Takes the order, and reads the address.) 

Lieutenant General Roller ! More than I have ever asked, 
or dared to hope ! 

Rantzau. 

It is perfectly just. It is the duty of a Ring to reward 
those who serve him ; but to gain the reward, / should think 
the service must he performed. 

Roller. 

But has the Ring the power to reward ? Has he not lost 
his authority absolutely and for ever ? 

Rantzau. 

Who delivered to you the order ? 

Roller, 
Reinhart Burckenstaff. 

Rantzau. 

The leader of the people, whose influence over them 
seems unbounded. The inference would seem to be, that 
the people are ready to support you. 

Roller. 
Can you give me that assurance, my lord ? 

Rantzau. 

I give you no assurances. You are not my friend, nor 
do I hold myself bound to advance your fortunes. 

Roller, {Looking at him anxiously.) 
I think I understand you. As a loyal subject, my first 



Scene X.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 153 

duty is certainly to obey the King ; but the means of 
execution 

Rantzau. 

Are plain enough. You command the Guards; I hardly 
think that your soldiers will refuse to obey you. 

Roller. 
True ; and yet, (hesitating?) should I fail 

Rantzau. 

What then? 

Roller. 

What then? Struensee would order me, instantly, to be 
shot or beheaded. 

Rantzau. 

Is that your only fear ? 

Roller. 
It is. 

Rantzau. 

You have no other difficulty ? 

Roller. 

None whatever. 

Rantzau. 

Make your mind easy, then ; for whether you obey and 
fail, or refuse to obey at all, your fate will be the same. 
Obedience and success can alone save you. 

Roller. 

How so, my lord ? 

20 



154 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act IV. 



Rantzau. 

If you refuse to obey, and Struensee retains his power, 
before this hour, to-morrow, you will have been tried, con- 
demned and executed. 

Roller. 

Condemned ! Executed ! For what crime ? upon what 
evidence ? 

Rantzau. 

The crime, high treason : the evidence, {Takes a packet 
from his pocket, and holds it before him,) these letters ! bearing 
your own signature, in your own handwriting, addressed 
by yourself to the Queen-Mother, and containing all the 
details of the plot against the Queen and Struensee, which 
you proposed to execute. What think you of the evidence, 
Colonel? 

Roller. 

My own letters ! I see that I am lost ! You are my 
enemy, Count Rantzau, and mean my destruction. 

Rantzau. 

That is as you please ; you may yet be safe. These 
proofs of base treason, you may transmute, if you will, into 
golden evidence of your loyalty. 

Roller. 
How, my lord ? 

Rantzau. 

By obeying the Ring. 

Roller, (Eagerly.) 

You declare then for the Ring ? You are acting in his 
behalf? 



Scene X.] HOOL FOR POLITICIANS. lf>5 

Rantzau. 

My motives you shall not know. I am not in your 
power — you are in mine. Yesterday, when I heard you 
denounce the unfortunate men, whose accomplice I knew 
you to be, I was silent ; I did not then unmask you. That 
course suited me then ; it suits me no longer ; and since 
you ask my advice, you shall have it, in terms you cannot 
mistake. (In a low, but peremptory tone.) Execute the 
orders of your King. Arrest Matilda and Struensee, as 
you are commanded, before the festival of this night is over, 
or 

Roller. 

Say that you are for the King ! that you will support me ! 

Rantzau. 

Attend to your own concerns ; and mark me ! arrest 
Struensee this night — or in the morning expect your own. 
Make your election now, to be to-morrow a Lieutenant 
General, or — a corpse. (Seems preparing to go. Kolleii 
detains him by the arm.) 

KOLLER. 

But, my lord 

Rantzau, {Turns on him suddenly.) 
Unhand me ! You decide, what ? 

Roller, (Releasing him, and bowing.) 
To obey the King. 

Rantzau. 

You are wise. (Bowing.) Adieu, General Koller. 

[Curtain falls. 

END OF ACT IV. 




156 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act V. 



ACT V. 

SCENE FIRST. 

A Saloon in the Palace of Count Falkenshield. Enter 
Falkenshield, with Christina resting on his arm. 

Falkenshield. 
You are better, Christina. 

Christina. 
Much better ; the air has revived me. 

Falkenshield. 

Your fainting in the ball-room, and in the presence of the 
Queen, would have been an awkward incident, and, for a 
few minutes, I feared it would happen. 

Christina. 

I wished, you know, to remain at home ; but you refused 
to listen to the request. 

Falkenshield. 

Certainly I did. I did not mean that your absence should 
be a subject of remark. Yesterday, when a rash youth was 
arrested in your presence, your emotion was visible to all. 
I had no wish it should be said that your grief for his fate 
prevented your appearance at the ball. 

Christina, (Sighing.) 
Grief indeed ! 



Scene [.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 157 



Falkenshield. 

And how brilliant the spectacle was — how unequalled in 
its magnificence. All the rank, beauty, fashion of Denmark 
was assembled, and all vied with each other in taste and 
splendour. The eyes of the Queen and of Struensee beamed 
with pleasure and triumph, and well they might ; for the scene 
before them was in itself a proof and an assurance of their 
power. That, indeed, is now placed beyond the reach of 
accident. Fortune is chained to our car, and it would be 
folly now to dread a reverse. Did you notice the Baron 
De Goehler, Christina? 

Christina. 
I noticed scarcely anybody. Certainly not the Baron. 

Falkenshield. 

You should have done so. He was to-night the proudest 
and happiest of men ; for, as a mark of special favour on 
his appointment as Minister, he was selected to open the 
ball with the Queen. You know that he succeeds Count 
Rantzau, who, just in the height of our power, able States- 
man as he is ! has chosen to leave us. 

Christina. 

The example, I should think, will not be contagious — few 
will imitate him. 

Falkenshield. 

True ; but he was always fond of singularity, and we 
have therefore felt no difficulty or resentment in parting 
with him. Indeed, it was well that he should retire ; he has 
had his day, and it was time that he should give place to 
others. And the Queen, who has always stood in some 
awe of his supposed abilities, was not unwilling to give him 
a successor 




158 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act V. 

Christina, (Smiling.) 
Whose talents she will never dread. 

Falkenshield. 

Exactly so. A pleasing, amiable man, who will never 
dispute our wishes, and can give us no trouble. In short, 
the Queen agreed with us, that my son-in-law 

Christina. 
Your son-in-law ! 

Falkenshield. 

Within a week your marriage will take place. 

Christina. 

On that subject, Sir, I must entreat a hearing. My senti- 
ments respecting the Baron, I will make known to you 
to-morrow. 

Falkenshield. 

Whatever they are, they cannot alter mine. Make them 
known to me now. 

Christina. 

I cannot — it is too late ; and I have not recovered from 
the agitating scene at the ball. 

Falkenshield. 
And what was the cause of your agitation ? 

Christina. 

That you shall know; I will not conceal the truth. 
Never in my life have I endured such misery as at this ball, 
and gladly would I have fled the gaiety it was anguish to 
to witness. Surrounded by all that was brilliant and exci- 



Scene I.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 159 

ting, one person, one subject alone filled my thoughts, whilst 
I contrasted the splendour I was forced to witness with the 
gloom of his prison, and the joy of the crowd around me, 
with his lonely anguish and despair. Pardon me, dear father, 
these images seized my imagination and oppressed my feel- 
ings, and 

Falkenshield. 

Enough ! Your marriage with the Baron will relieve your 
feelings, and cure the errors of your imagination. 

Christina. 

I was sunk in this painful revery, when the Baron D'Osten 
accosted Struensee, who was seated near me. Their con- 
versation I could not hear ; but suddenly Struensee rose, 
and in tones that marked his impatience exclaimed, " 'Tis in 
" vain, Baron, 'tis in vain, the crime of treason shall never 
" be pardoned, and this you will do well to remember." And 
as he spoke, he turned and left him. The reply of the 
Baron, it is needless to mention; he was disturbed and 
angry. 

Falkenshield. 
I know that he is disaffected. 

Christina. 

The incident collected a group, not far from me, who 
were soon engaged in earnest discussion. Some praised 
the Minister, and said that an example was necessary, whilst 
others blamed him as too severe. At last the words, " con- 
demned to death," uttered in a low and mysterious tone, 
reached my ears. As they were repeated, a horrid thought 
entered my mind, spread a mist over my eyes, and shot an 
icy coldness through my veins. I felt 




160 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act V. 

Falkenshield. 

You would have fallen, had I not sustained you. It was 
fortunate that I was near. 

Christina. 

My fears, I believe, were groundless — were chimerical ; 
yet they may be pardoned. Shut up in my own apartment, 
I had conversed with no one during the day, and in my 
ignorance was easily alarmed. There is a name that I dare 
not pronounce in your presence ; but you will understand 
me, father, dear father ! he is not in danger ? his life is not 
threatened ? 

Falkenshield. 
Certainly not, certainly not ; be calm, compose yourself. 

Christina. 

I knew it was impossible. Arrested only yesterday, he 
cannot have been already condemned ; and then the solici- 
tations of his friends must prevail, assisted, as they will be — 
am I not right ? by your influence. 

Falkenshield. 

Assuredly ; but, as you have said, we will converse on 
these topics to-morrow. I must now leave you 

Christina. 
To return to the ball ? 

Falkenshield. 

No. I have work to perform, and shall go and labour in 
my cabinet. (Enter Joseph and a Servant, with lights.) 
You had better retire, Christina ; you need repose, and you 
must not permit your idle fancies to disturb your rest. 
Good night. [Exit, following the Servant. 



Scene III. | SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. K',1 

SCENE SECOND. 
Christina and Joseph. 

Christina. 

I breathe again : I am now satisfied that there was no 
cause for my alarm. My father would not deceive me ; 
that is impossible. 

Joseph. 

A woman, Mam'selle, who seems in great distress, has 
been waiting for you some hours in the anti-chamber, and 
declares that she will not leave the Palace until she has seen 
you. She begged me, with tears, to ask you to grant her 
an interview. 

Christina. 

Late as it is, if she is in affliction, I must see her. Admit 
her. (Exit Joseph. Shortly afterwards, he opens the door 
for Martha.) 

SCENE THIRD. 
Christina and Martha. 

Martha. 

You will pardon me, Mam'selle, for daring, at this late 
hour 

Christina. 

Oh ! Madam Burckenstaff, how I rejoice to see you ; you 
come to speak of Eric. 

Martha. 

I can think, I can speak only of him. I have seen him 
this evening, and came from his prison to your Palace. 

21 



162 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act V. 

Christina. 
You have seen him ! 

Martha. 

Seen him, and embraced him for the last time. His sen- 
tence 

Christina. 

Sentence ! You cannot mean it. Sentence I 

Martha. 

Ah ! you were ignorant, you were ignorant of his fate, 
You would not have been present at this ball — you would 
not have shared their cruel gaiety, had you known that he, 
who loved you with such devoted affection, was, in a few 
hours — in the bloom of his youth — was, in a few hours — 
brave, beautiful, noble, as he is ! was — his mother's hope 
and glory — in a few hours (Sobbing violently.) I can- 
not speak the word. 

Christina, (With a wild air and exclamation.) 

Ah ! my fears, then, were true — it was of him they spoke ! 
Oh ! cruel, cruel father ! (going rapidly to Martha,) but he 
is not — it cannot be — he is not already condemned ! 

Martha. 

All the Ministers have signed the sentence, and even the 
Queen herself ; could you believe it? the Queen Matilda 
has signed it ; and yet she is a mother — she, too, has a son. 
(For a short time they both give way to their grief.) 

Christina, (Recovering herself.) 

Restrain your grief — he shall not perish ; there still are 
hopes. 



Stun III.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. UV.l 

Martha. 

All my hopes are placed in you. Could I save him by 
the sacrifice of my own life, I would not implore your aid ; 
his prison doors would now be open ; but it is you that must, 
it is vou that ought to save him. Last night, when folded 
in his arms, I poured on his breast the agony of a mother's 
heart, forgetful of himself, and of my affliction and despair, 
he thought and spoke of you only — only of you. 

Christina, {Weeping.) 
Eric! Eric! 

Martha. 

And when, at last, he adverted to his own fate, you still 
were first in his thoughts. I rejoice, he said, that she will not 
know my doom, until it is past. It is fortunate that it is 
fixed to take place at so early an hour — the break of day. 

Christina, {Wildly.) 
What, now ! this day ! 

Martha. 

Have I not said it? have you not seen it in my despair? 
that here, now, in a few minutes, in this square, below your 
own windows, almost in your sight, they mean 

Christina. 
No more ! No more ! 

Martha. 

But there is still time to save him. Come with me ! 
{Seizing Christina's arm.) We will go together; we will 
throw ourselves at the feet of your father, at the feet of the 
Queen ; we will pray, implore, force them to grant his 
pardon ; we will die at their feet, shall we not ? if they 
refuse us? 



164. SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. I Act V. 

Christina. 

We will ! we will ! 

Martha. 

You will tell them that he is innocent ; and he is so ; I 
swear to you that he is so. The thought of a conspiracy 
never entered his mind ; his whole soul was possessed by 
his love for you. 

Christina. 

I know it. It is his love for me that impels him to his de- 
struction ; but it shall not be. The consequences to myself, 
I regard not ; he shall not perish ; my resolution is fixed. 
I answer for his life. Leave me. In a few minutes you 
shall have his pardon. Trust to my zeal 

Martha, (Hesitating, and retaining her hand.) 
But 

Christina. 
To my promises — my oath 

Martha. 

Still 

Christina. 

Trust, then, to my affection, my love — love ! true and 
boundless as your own. 

Martha. 

Oh ! I believe, I believe you ; and may the blessings of 
a mother rest upon you. [Exit. 



Scene V.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 165 

SCENE FOURTH. 

Christina, (Alone.) 

Christina. 

Yes. They shall know the truth ; they shall know that 
he is innocent, and has accused himself falsely, for my sake. 
The world will condemn, my father disown me ; but Eric's 
gratitude and my own conscience will sustain and console 
me. But to whom shall I write? To my father? to Struen- 
see ? No, no ; to the Queen : she may have erred, but she 
has the feelings of her sex, and will not suffer his mother's 
heart and mine to be broken. (Sits down, writes a letter, 
folds and seals it — then rises.) And now, how shall it reach 
the Queen ? There is no difficulty : Joseph will aid me. 
On his devotion I may rely. (Whilst she is writing, her 
father enters, and stands watching her. As she rises to go 
out, he advances and takes the letter from her.) 

SCENE FIFTH. 

Christina and Falkenshield. 

Falkenshield. 

A letter to the Queen ! Why are you so agitated ? Are 
you so anxious that this letter shall reach its address ? Be 
not concerned, I will deliver it myself; but, as it is proper 
that I should know what is written by my daughter, when 
she corresponds with a Queen, I must first read it. (Open- 
ing the letter.) 

Christina, (Trying to prevent him.) 
Indeed, Sir 




166 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act V. 

Falkenshield. 

Silence ! {Reads the letter.) Heavens ! what an avowal. 
Eric came to visit you — was concealed in your apartment, 
with your own knowledge and consent ; and to the Queen 
you proclaim your folly and your dishonour! 

Christina, {With firmness and dignity.) 

Overwhelm me with reproaches, if you will ; but, both to 
the Queen and to you, I will declare the truth. From guilt 
and dishonour, I am free ; but my imprudence, I confess, 
and seek not to excuse. But it is you, who have made that 
letter necessary ; you, who kept me in ignorance of his 
fate, and nattered me with hopes of his pardon. You 
now know that he is innocent ; that he has accused himself, 
to shield me from suspicion, and would sacrifice his life to 
save my honour from reproach ; but he shall not perish ! 
My efforts to save him, the world may call my disgrace ; 
but to suffer him to die, I feel would be guilt and infamy 
indeed. To free my conscience from remorse, and you, 
my father, from the commission of a crime, I have written 
that letter, and avowed the truth. 

Falkenshield. 

True or false, the avowal shall not be made. It shall 
not be known that the Countess Falkenshield, my daughter, 
is ready to sacrifice her rank and reputation, and the 
fortunes and honour of her father, to an unworthy and 
degrading passion. My enemies have long sought to effect 
my ruin ; it is not you who shall aid them — it is not my 
daughter that shall arm them to my destruction. This 
letter shall never see the light. 

Christina. 

Merciful powers ! will you drive me to despair, to mad- 
ness? The sentence that you have signed, you know to be 
unjust. Can you suffer it to be executed ? 



Scene V.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 107 






Falkensiiield. 

Others, as well as myself, have signed it. 

Christina. 

But they believe him guilty : you know that he is inno- 
cent. Restore my letter, or I will rush instantly to the 
Queen, throw myself at her feet, and never rise until she 
grants my prayers. It is not merely to save the life of 
Eric, that I shall implore her, but to save you, my father, 
now and for ever — to save you from present guilt, and the 
agonies of future remorse. 

Falkenshield. 
You shall not move. You shall not leave this room. 

Christina. 
What ! Is it by force you will prevent me ? 

Falkenshield. 

Yes ! I will prevent you from destroying yourself and 
me, if necessary, by force. (He goes to the door in the rear 
to lock it — she follows to prevent him, hut suddenly stops.) 

Christina. 

Merciful heavens ! the light is breaking ! the moments 
are rushing to his fate ! a few instants more of delay, and 
not a hope will remain ! nothing will be left us but shame, 
and agony, and guilt. (Throws herself at her father's feet, 
and embraces his knees.) By the life of your daughter — 
by your own soul — by all that is dear, and holy, and sacred, 
I implore you My letter ! my letter ! 

Falkenshield. 
Rise ! You cannot move me. 




168 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act V. 



Christina. 

I will not rise ; I have promised his life to his mother. 
I will not tell her, when she returns, that mv father has 
murdered her son. (A drum heard without. She rises and 
rushes to the window.) The soldiers are marching ; it is 
the roll of death ! {Looks out.) Yes ! it is he, it is Eric ; the 
Guards surround him, they lead him to execution ! {Leaves 
the window, and rushes wildly to her father.) My letter ! 
Sir, my letter ! I will have it. Give it me instantly — my 
letter, Sir ! 

Falkenshield. 

You have lost your senses. This is my reply. {Tears 
up the letter, Christina utters a cry, and falls senseless in 
a chair. She recovers slowly, and then speaks in a low, but 
firm tone.) 

Christina. 

His blood rests on you alone ! You have severed all the 
ties that bound me to your obedience and love. In the 
destroyer of Eric, I will not own a father. Yes ! I loved 
him ! Never, until now, have I known how truly, how deeply 
I loved him. {More rapidly.) You are mistaken, Sir, you 
are mistaken, if you imagine that I will or can survive him. 
No ! his mother, at least, shall be avenged ; and you, like her, 
shall be childless. 

Falkenshield, {Agitated.) 
Christina ! {Shouts of a tumult heard without.) 

Christina, {Rising.) 

Ah ! what mean those shouts ? there is another insurrec- 
tion ! The people have risen again ; they may — they icill 
deliver him. And now, Sir, hear me ; hear my vow, my 
oath — the hated marriage with the Baron I renounce for 



Scene VI.J 



SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 



1G9 



ever ; and if, by the will of heaven, the life of Eric is saved, 
I swear to be his, and his alone. We would have been 
united in death — we shall be, if he lives. (The noise and 
tumult in the street increase ; a knocking heard at the door 
in the rear ; Falkenshield opens it, and Rantzau enters.) 



SCENE SIXTH. 



Falkenshield, Rantzau and Christina. 

Falkenshield, {Surprised.) 
Count Rantzau here — at this hour ! 



Christina. 

Oh ! speak, Count Rantzau. Is Eric- 

Falkenshield. 
Silence, Christina 



Christina. 

I will not be silent — I care not if the world hear me. 
Yes, Count Rantzau, Eric loved me, and I returned his 
passion. If he has perished, I am the cause of his death, 
and on me it shall be avenged. 

Rantzau, (Smiling.) 

You may defer your revenge. You are not so guilty as 
you imagine ; Eric is still living. 

Christina. 

Living ! My prayers, then, are heard — but, can it be ? 
Did my senses deceive me ? did I not see him surrounded 
bv soldiers ? 

22 



170 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act V. 



Rantzau. 

They were his deliverers — they had released him from 
prison, and were bearing him off in triumph. 

Falkenshield. 

The soldiers 1 the Guards ! deliver him ! but my pre- 
sence (Preparing to go.) 

Rantzau. 

Will serve only to inflame their rage, and endanger your 
own life. They suffered me to pass, because it was known 
that I am no longer connected with the Ministry ; but you 
cannot remain even here in safety. I have provided the 
means of your escape, and have come to offer to you and 
your daughter an asylum in my own Palace. 

Falkenshield. 

The offer is generous indeed ; but you will pardon me for 
saying, I cannot accept it until I see its necessity. You will 

explain But here is the Baron. (Enter De Goehler.) 

What means this tumult, Baron ? what has happened ? 



SCENE SEVENTH. 

TJie same, and De Goehler. 

De Goehler. 

I hardly know what to answer ; it is a horrible scene of 
confusion and disorder, and no one seems to understand the 
cause. You must give me a little time to recover myself. 

Falkenshield. 

You must speak, Baron ; you were at the ball, and must 
know what happened there ? 



Scene VII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 171 



De Goeiiler. 

Certainly, I was at the ball. I was the last to leave the 
room. Some time after the Queen had retired, I was dan- 
cing the new minuet de la cour with Mam'selle Thornsen. 
Our performance was much admired, and many were col- 
lected around us to witness it. Suddenly I saw their atten- 
tion was distracted. Instead of looking at us, they began to 
converse in whispers among themselves, and a sort of low, 
indistinct murmur, that was quite alarming, ran round the 
whole circle. I asked my partner what it meant ; but she 
was as ignorant as myself. At this moment a servant, who 
seemed to be frightened almost out of his senses, entered 
the room, and was rapidly passing, when I stopped him, and 
commanded him to tell me what had happened. 

Falkenshield. 

Well, and what was his reply? 

De Goehler. 

He answered, trembling, that the Queen had been 
arrested, after she had retired to her own apartment, by 
order of the King, and that Count Struensee had also been 
arrested, as he was entering his carriage, on leaving the ball. 

Falkenshield. 

The Queen — Struensee — arrested ! Where were the 
Guards ? Where was Koller ? 

De Goehler. 

Why, that is the strangest part of the story, and made me 
doubt the whole. It was said that the King's order was 
directed to Koller, and that both the arrests were made by 
Koller himself — Koller in person ! 

Falkenshield. 

Koller desert, betray us ! Impossible ! 




172 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act V. 

De Goehler. 

I said so — I said it was impossible ; but no one would 
believe me, and the ball-room was soon deserted. At length 
the Guards without raised a terrible cry of " Long live the 
" King ! down with the traitors !" and the same shouts were 
repeated by a body of armed men, who had followed Rein- 
hart BurckenstafF to the Palace. The other soldiers, I 
heard, made a show of resistance ; but they soon gave over, 
and joined the citizens and their comrades, and now they 
are all acting together. I tried to reach my uncle's Palace ; 
but it was surrounded by soldiers, and I should have been 
seized, had I persisted. I have been in great danger, and 
it is with great difficulty that I have arrived here, as you see 
me, exhausted, agitated, and in my ball dress. 

Rantzau. 

A much safer costume, Baron, than the court dress of a 
Minister. 

De Goehler. 
Oh ! as to that, I have not yet had time to order it. 

Rantzau. 

And now you have no longer any use for it. It has hap- 
pened as I told you, Baron; the twenty-four hours are not 
elapsed, and you are no longer a Minister. 

De Goehler. 
I not a Minister ! 

Rantzau. 

But you have had the pleasure of dancing for some hours 
in that capacity, and after such labours you must need 
repose. 



Scene VII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 173 

De Goehler. 

I do need repose. {The shouts and tumult without increase, 
and appear to grow nearer.) 

Rantzau, {To Falkenshield.) 

We must delay no longer, my lord ; the people are forcing 
their entrance. I offer again to you all a refuge in my own 

Palace. Come, Mam'selle {Takes Christina by the arm, 

the rest follow. As they are going out, the window on the 
balcony is thrown open, and Jan and others, in the dress of 
Sailors, and armed, appear, and level their muskets at the 
party.) 

Jan. 

Halt there ! another step, and we fire. 

Christina, {Throwing herself in her father's arms.) 

You are again my father ! (Jan and his party jump down 
from the balcony, and are approaching, when Eric enters 
with sword drawn, and interposes.) 

Eric. 

Stop ! Madmen, assassins ! not a drop of blood shall 
stain our triumph. {Perceiving Christina.) Heavens ! 
Christina ! {Places himself before her.) You must pass 
through my body, if you advance. Count Rantzau, too, my 
benefactor, my preserver ! 

Jan. 

Count Rantzau here ! That alters the case. Down with 
your muskets, boys ; he is our friend — he belongs to our 
party. 

De Goehler. 

Their friend ! 




174 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS, [Act V- 

Rantzau. 

Oh yes ! their friend, and your friend — the friend of all. 



SCENE LAST. 

Enter, first, Martha, then Burckenstaff, and a crowd of 
the People, Roller and Soldiers, and lastly, the Presi- 
dent and several Magistrates. 

Martha, {Throwing herself in the arms of Eric.) 
My son ! my son ! 

Burckenstaff, (Tb the People.) 

You are right, my friends, you are right. It is chiefly to 
me, to my combinations and my efforts, that our success is 
owing. It is I, who, acting under the orders of the King, 
have prepared, and managed, and directed every thing. 

People. 

Burckenstaff for ever ! 

Burckenstaff. 

Silence ! my good friends, I entreat a pause. I have just 
received another communication, under seal, from the King, 
no doubt on matters of high importance, for the confidence 
that his Majesty deigns to repose in me is unlimited. 

Jan. 

And so it should be. (Slapping his Master on the back.) 
He has a glorious head after all, though some folks don't 
think so ; and then he has scattered his gold like a Prince. 
He had twenty thousand florins last night, and now not a 
rix-dollar is left. So, I say again, "long live Reinhart 
"Burckenstaff!" 



SckneVULJ school for POLITICIANS. 175 

People. 

Burckenstaff for ever ! 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Spare me, my kind friends. Your applause, I own, is 
grateful ; but you must now give me your attention, whilst I 
read this new ordinance of the King. (Reads.) "We, 
"Christian the Seventh, by the Grace of God, King of 
"Denmark and Norway, to all our faithful and loving 
" subjects, greeting : Whereas the traitors who held our 
" person in restraint, and had usurped our Royal authority, 
" have been seized and confined, and will soon be brought 
"to condign punishment: And whereas it is fitting that 
" the services of those to whom we are chiefly indebted for 
" the recovery of our lost rights, should be acknowledged 
11 and rewarded : Now be it known, that we have con- 
" stituted our Queen-Mother, Maria Julia, sole Regent of 
" our Kingdom, until the recovery of our own health shall 
" permit us to resume the Government : And be it further 
"known, that we have nominated and appointed as President 
" of our Council of State and our Prime Minister, our well 
" beloved and highly trusted counsellor, Bertrand, Count de 
"Rantzau." 

Rantzau. 

I Prime Minister ! I, who have just resigned, and meant 
to retire for the rest of my life ! 

Burckenstaff, (With importance.) 

You cannot retire, my lord ; these are the orders of the 
King, and must be obeyed. Suffer me to proceed. (Reads.) 
" And whereas it is proper that the services, even of the 
" humblest of our subjects, should be suitably rewarded, be 
" it further known, that we have conferred on the faithful 
" citizen and burgess, Reinhart Burckenstaff, the office and 



176 SCHOOL FOE POLITICIANS. [Act V. 

" title in our Royal household, with all its privileges and 
" appurtenances, {drops his voice?) of First Silk Mercer to 
" the Crown." Ah ! (Seems deeply mortified, and sinks into 
a reverie; his hand falls, and the ordinance seems about to 
drop, when it is taken from him by the President.) 

President. 

It is to you, my lord, {offering the paper to Rantzau,) 
that this belongs ; nor must you refuse to accept it, when I 
assure you, as I do, in the name of all, that his Majesty's 
choice is that of the Nation. 

Rantzau. 

The assurance is most grateful. I would gladly have 
withdrawn from the cares and anxieties of power ; but the 
united wishes of King and people I cannot resist. I there- 
fore consent to take on myself, once more, the burthen of 
office, {receives the paper?) in the confidence that it will be 
greatly lessened by your counsels, {bowing to the President 
and Magistrates,) and your support — (bowing to the 
People.) 

All. 
Long live Count Rantzau ! 

Rantzau, {Approaching Eric.) 

And to you, also, my young friend — to you, who have so 
nobly periled your life in our cause, a reward is due. 

Eric 

Not so, my lord. From your Excellency I must not 
conceal the truth. Far from being a conspirator myself, I 
had no knowledge even of the existence of a plot. 

Rantzau. 

Bah ! what nonsense this, when the plot has succeeded ! 



Scene Vlll.J 



SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 



177 



You are simple — you are green 
you shall be rewarded. 



Still, I have said it, and 



Indeed, my lord ! 



Eric. 



Rantzau. 



Not, however, entirely by me, nor at all at my expense. 
{Places himself between Christina and her father, and 
takes her hand.) It is you, M am'selle, who must assist me. 
You will not be unwilling, I think, to bestow the reward. 

Christina. 

Oh ! my lord, you know our hearts ; and would my father 
give his consent 



Falkenshield. 



Which nothing shall- 



Rantzau. 

Prevent you from giving, with such a portion as she 
deserves, and your rank and fortune require. You consent, 
or (in a lower tone) the Queen-Regent, beyond a doubt, will 
accept your resignation. (Observing him still to hesitate, 
in a grave and firm tone.) In a few days, Struensee will 
be brought to justice, and perhaps his friends 

Falkenshield, (Agitated.) 

No more, my lord, no more. His Excellency has 
satisfied me, Christina. I will no longer oppose your 
wishes. The struggle is severe ; but my affection shall 
prevail over my pride. (Takes her hand and conducts her 
to Eric.) Let me join your hands ; your fortunes shall be 
my care. (They kneel.) I give you my consent and blessing. 

23 



178 SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. [Act V. 

Christina. 
Dear father ! 

Eric. 

If gratitude, my lord, boundless gratitude 

Falkenshielp. 

Rise ! No more. {They rise and retire. He returns to 
Rantzau.) I understood your Excellency, I hope : I am 
safe, and I remain ? 

Rantzau, {Coolly, taking snuff.) 

Hem ! Safe ? Yes. Remain ? Possibly. We shall see. 
A word or two more. {They retire in conversation) 

Burckenstaff, {In a desponding tone.) 

And this is my reward — my sole reward ! First Silk 
Mercer to the Crown ! 

Martha. 

And is it not all you wanted ? all you asked for ? What 
more can you now desire ? Your son's life is saved, and he 
is rewarded and happy beyond our hopes. You are unrea- 
sonable and ungrateful. {She leaves him, and joins Chris- 
tina and Eric Jan approaches him.) 

Burckenstaff. 

Yes ! this is the end of all my projects 1 all my hopes ! 
all my ambition ! I am Silk Mercer Royal ! 

Jan. 

And I, Master, am nothing. Where is my snug little 
office now ? You have thrown away your gold, and we 
have risked our lives, and all for what, Master ? 



Scene VIII.] SCHOOL FOR POLITICIANS. 179 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

That others, (pointing to Rantzau and Roller,) others 
might reap the profit 

Jan. 

But will you bear it, Master? Can't you raise more 
money ? Shan't we have another insurrection ? 

BURCKENSTAFF. 

Peace, blockhead, peace ! this is the last, and may the 
fiends seize me if ever I put my foot in a conspiracy again. 
Follow me to the shop. (Rushes to go out.) 

Jan. 

Shop ! Not till the show is over, any how. 

One of the People, (Stopping Burckenstaff, and turning 
him round as he is going out.) 

Ha ! ha ! ha ! The Silk Mercer Royal is in a passion. 

Another. 

Let him alone — let the poor man go to his shop. (Exit 
Burckenstaff.) And let us, before we separate, salute 
and cheer, once more, the Prime Minister. 

All, (Bowing to Rantzau — Jan in the front ranks.) 
Long live Count Rantzau ! 

Jan. 

And now for the cheers — three times three. Huzza ! 

All. 
Huzza ! Huzza ! Huzza ! 

Curtain falls, amid their cheering. 



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